When you think of Alberta’s homes, you might picture charming character details. But beneath that charm, there can be hidden structural issues that make these homes a paradise for cockroaches. The problem is that these pests are resilient survivors, and they exploit weaknesses most homeowners don’t even notice. In this blog, we go over common entry points and share tips on how to keep these intruders away from your space.
Why Homes Are Vulnerable
Cockroaches thrive in environments that provide warmth, moisture, and easy access to food. Unfortunately, many homes in Alberta have features that unintentionally create these conditions:
- Moisture – Some homes have plumbing problems or poor ventilation. Leaky pipes, damp areas such as in basements and bathrooms, condensation around windows, and humidifiers can create the perfect humid environment cockroaches need to survive.
- Structural Quirks and Hidden Spaces – Homes often have cavities behind walls and cabinetry, and under floors. Many appliances and furnishings have hidden spaces behind and inside of them. These places are ideal for cockroach harborages because they are dark, warm, near food and water, and rarely disturbed.
Common Entry Points You Might Miss in Homes With Shared Walls
Cockroaches are good at finding entryways in homes with shared walls. Here are some overlooked spots:
- Under Doors – Worn or missing weather-stripping and door sweeps can leave gaps big enough for cockroaches and other pests.
- Gaps and Cracks in Shared Walls – Tiny gaps around baseboards and holes in shared walls can be enough for cockroaches to squeeze through to go from one unit to another.
- Around Plumbing and Electrical Lines – Pipes and utilities may lack proper sealing around walls to stop cockroaches.
- Vents and Crawl Spaces – These areas are rarely checked, but could have cracks that allow cockroaches to spread.
How to Prevent Cockroaches and Deal With An Infestation
Preventing cockroach infestations starts with addressing these vulnerabilities:
1. Inspect Items Before They Enter
Cockroaches are often brought into homes on infested items such as food and used items. Stop cockroaches before they get in.
2. Reduce Moisture and Secure Food
Reduce humidity, improve ventilation, and repair any leaky pipes immediately. Small drips can create the perfect environment for pests. Store food items in tough, sealed containers.
3. Declutter and Deep Clean
Clutter gives cockroaches more places to hide and food to snack on. Keep storage areas organized and avoid cardboard boxes, which can become nesting sites. Regularly clean behind stoves, fridges, dishwashers, and other appliances; these hidden spots often collect grease and crumbs that feed and attract roaches.
4. Professional Help
A pest management professional knows where cockroaches hide and can identify vulnerabilities you might overlook. We apply targeted treatments and offer long-term prevention strategies to keep your home pest-free.
Why Acting Fast Matters
Cockroaches reproduce quickly, and once they get established, they’re hard to eliminate. Moreover, it’s important to remember that beyond being unsightly, they can carry bacteria and allergens that affect your family’s health. Controlling them early is the best way to keep your home safe and pest-free.
Take Control of Your Home Today
Don’t let hidden gaps and moisture turn your Alberta home into a cockroach haven. The sooner you act, the easier it is to get rid of cockroaches from your property. Poulin’s Pest Control offers proven treatments designed for any property. With years of experience in the pest control industry, we have the necessary expertise to provide truly effective pest management solutions. Call us today to protect your home.