How Do I Keep Roaches Out of My Pensacola Home?

Seal entry points

Weatherstrip doors, fill gaps around pipes and wires, repair screens and fit door sweeps.

Remove moisture

Fix dripping faucets, check under sinks and run bathroom fans.

Remove food

Store food sealed, clean up crumbs and take trash out often.

Clear the edges

Keep mulch thin near the foundation and clear leaf litter from around the house.

Drains

Roaches can enter through drains. Keep drain covers in place and run water in unused drains.

After storms

Heavy rain drives outdoor roaches inside. Check seals before storm season.

When to get help

If you keep seeing roaches, see roach control.

Outdoor lights

Bright porch lights draw insects, which draw roaches and spiders. Yellow bulbs or motion lights near doors help.

Palms and plants

Palm trees, dense shrubs and ivy against the house give large roaches shelter. Trim plants back so they don't touch the walls or roof.

Garages

Keep garage doors closed at night, seal the gap under the door and store boxes off the floor in sealed bins.

Groceries and boxes

Cardboard from stores and deliveries can carry roach eggs. Unpack outside or in the garage and recycle boxes promptly.

Check under appliances

Pull out the refrigerator and stove once or twice a year to clean behind them. Crumbs and grease there feed roaches unseen.

Pet food

Don't leave pet food out overnight, and store bags in sealed bins.

Recycling bins

Rinse cans and bottles before they go in the bin, and keep bins away from doors. Sticky residue draws roaches and ants.

More pest control guides

• Termites in Pensacola: What Homeowners Should Know
• Mosquitoes After Summer Storms
• Pests After a Hurricane or Big Storm
• Pest Treatments, Pets and Children
• Hiring Licensed Pest Control in Florida