Cockroaches in Your Home: DIY Prevention Tips and When to Call a Professional

Few pests make homeowners uneasy quite like cockroaches. Unfortunately, cockroaches are more than just unpleasant to see — they can spread bacteria, trigger allergies, and contaminate food. If you’re dealing with roaches in your home, the good news is that there are steps you can take to help control them. However, some infestations require professional help to fully eliminate the problem.

Here’s what homeowners should know about cockroaches, what you can do on your own, and when it’s time to call a local pest control professional.

Why Cockroaches Are a Problem

Cockroaches thrive in warm, moist environments and are often found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms. They’re excellent at hiding in cracks, behind appliances, and inside walls. Once established, they reproduce quickly — which is why a small problem can turn into a major infestation fast.

DIY Ways to Help Get Rid of Cockroaches

For minor activity or early signs, homeowners can take several steps to reduce roaches and make their home less inviting:

1. Eliminate Food Sources - Roaches are scavengers. Keep food sealed in airtight containers, clean up crumbs, wipe down counters, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.

2. Reduce Moisture - Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and drains. Roaches need water to survive, so reducing moisture can make a big difference.

3. Declutter and Clean Regularly - Cardboard boxes, paper products, and clutter provide excellent hiding spots. Regular cleaning and decluttering helps eliminate places where roaches can hide and breed.

4. Seal Entry Points - Seal cracks around baseboards, cabinets, plumbing, and exterior entry points. This helps prevent roaches from entering your home in the first place.

5. Use Store-Bought Treatments Carefully - Baits and traps can help monitor activity and reduce small populations. Avoid overusing sprays, which can sometimes scatter roaches deeper into walls and make the problem worse.

When to Call a Professional Pest Control Company

While DIY methods can help, they often aren’t enough for established infestations. You should contact a professional if:

• You’re seeing roaches during the daytime

• Roaches keep returning despite cleaning and treatments

• You notice droppings, egg cases, or a musty odor

• The infestation seems to be spreading to multiple rooms

Professional pest control targets roaches at the source, including nesting areas and hidden entry points, using proven treatments that are safe and effective for your home.

Trust a Local Expert

At ProGuard Pest Control, we understand how frustrating cockroach problems can be. As a local, trusted pest control company serving Van Wert and surrounding areas, we provide customized solutions designed to eliminate cockroaches and prevent them from coming back.

If you’re tired of seeing roaches or want peace of mind, contact ProGuard Pest Control today for a professional inspection and treatment plan. We’re here to protect your home — and your family — year-round.