Controlling Cockroaches in a Home: A Guide for Landlords

“Uh hey, I’m not paying my rent this month because there are cockroaches here…”

No one wants to hear that!

As a landlord, cockroaches in your rental property can be not only an annoying problem to deal with, but also a potential liability if the infestation becomes severe. Unfortunately, by Calgary law it is the landlord’s responsibility to pay for any pest control services in the house, even if the tenant brought them in and created conditions conducive to their spread. In order to effectively and safely control cockroaches in your rental property, it is important to understand the pest and how to best address it. This guide provides an overview of the importance of controlling cockroaches and offers eco-friendly solutions, safe methods, and cleaning and prevention tips to help landlords and their tenants better manage the problem.

Cockroach Information

Cockroaches belong to the order Blattodea and are found worldwide in many different habitats. They are typically identified as dark brown or black in color and may range in size from 0.5 inches up to 2 inches. There are over 4,500 species of cockroaches, but only one species infests homes in Calgary, German Cockroaches (Blattella germanica).

The importance of controlling cockroaches in a home cannot be overstated. Cockroaches can carry diseases, and their presence can be an indication of other health hazards, such as poor sanitation or food contamination. Cockroaches also produce allergens which can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks in some people. Additionally, their presence can cause psychological distress for renters (and landlords!), which can lead to legal action against the landlord.

Cockroach Control: Are there eco-friendly options?

When it comes to controlling cockroaches, there are not many options for effective products. Natural essential oils such as peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil are known to act as insect repellents, but using these repellents will only scatter the cockroaches throughout the house, making it more difficult to control. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is another eco-friendly solution that works by drying out the exoskeleton of the insect, causing them to dehydrate and die. This is more effective and less repellant, but will never completely eliminate the issue. DE usually comes in a powder form. Make sure to use it sparingly, applying only a light dusting, and don’t forget to wear a mask! It’s not toxic, but it is a small particulate dust which is dangerous to inhale.

Eco-friendly solutions for controlling cockroaches have many benefits, such as being less disruptive than other methods and being cheaper than chemical solutions. However, it is important to note that eco-friendly solutions may require more frequent applications in order to achieve desired results and may not be as effective against large infestations or particularly resilient species of cockroaches. Remember, if even a small number of cockroaches remain alive, they can continue to multiply and you may be dealing with the problem all over again in a few months!

Cockroach Control: Baits

Another method of controlling cockroaches is through baiting. Baiting is an effective method of targeting specific areas where cockroaches may gather or hide. Baits come in many forms including liquid baits, gel baits, and granular baits. In Canada, cockroach baits are not purchasable by the general public; a pesticide applicator’s license is required. At Grove Eco-friendly Pest Control, we primarily use gel baiting. Gel baiting is effective and safe for kids and pets when applied properly by professional technicians.

When using baits for controlling cockroaches, we ensure that they are placed in areas where there is the highest activity or concentration of cockroaches, which also happens to be the safest, most out-of-the-way places!

Clean Up and Prevention

Cleaning is the number one control method for eliminating cockroaches as well as preventing them in the future. Sweep, vacuum, and wipe under all appliances where there may be crumbs and debris: the stove, fridge, microwave, toaster oven, etc. Use the crevice tool on your vacuum to ensure all of the cracks and crevices are cleaned. Wipe everything down with a 10% cleaning solution. Focus on the sides of the stove, the fronts of the cabinets, and around the sink.

Additionally, fixing any damaged drains or pipes can help reduce moisture levels which can attract cockroaches. Cockroaches need water much more than they need food. Keeping the countertops dry at night helps, too.

Conclusion

Controlling cockroaches in a home is an important task for landlords with rental properties infested with these pests. If you’re a landlord dealing with a cockroach infestation in your rental property, reach out to a professional pest control service. Cockroaches are one of the hardest pests to eliminate completely. Choose a reputable, experienced company and make sure they send out their best technicians for the job! Additionally, consider implementing some of the tips provided in this guide to help reduce the chances of future infestations occurring or recurring.