In homes located in warmer areas:

• In warmer climates, American cockroaches live outdoors
• They are often found around the foundations of the home, near patios and porches, or under mulches, shrubs, compost heaps and other plant material
• Once inside, American cockroaches can be found hiding in dark, humid areas like laundry rooms, utility rooms, garages, bathrooms, sheds and crawl spaces

• American cockroaches will treat your home or apartment as an all-inclusive resort; they’ll invite themselves over for food, water, and shelter, especially during very cold or hot weather
• American cockroaches are attracted to foods with sugar, starch, or grease, but will feed on nearly anything including pet food

• Some American cockroaches can pick-up, carry, and spread harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, to other surfaces that they walk across
• Many people are scared or repulsed by cockroaches due to their unsightly appearance and smell

Eliminate their food and water sources and hiding places:

• Remove food spills and exposed food, especially near appliances
• Store food in sealed containers
• Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink
• Take out the garbage regularly and tie it closed tightly
• Toss out old boxes and newspapers that serve as good hiding places and hard places to treat
• Clean and vacuum regularly, especially behind ovens, microwaves, toasters, and refrigerators
• Keep food out of bedrooms and living rooms
• Keep garages and storage areas dry

Seal up entryways and point of access to keep them out of the home or apartment:

• Caulk cracks and crevices where cockroaches can enter from the outside or neighbouring units
• Do not store debris near the home, which provides areas for outdoor cockroaches to hide and breed
• Identify and repair indoor water leaks that provide moisture and high humidity that these cockroaches prefer to live in.

Avoid common mistakes during treatment:

• When using baits, be sure you do not place them on areas that have been sprayed with an aerosol or liquid insecticide - cockroaches travelling over sprayed areas will die before they have a chance to bring the bait back to the nest
• Never spray the bait with an aerosol or liquid insecticide – cockroaches will not eat it
• When using baits, be sure to remove competing food and water sources so they are forced to eat the bait
• Replace baits at intervals prescribed on the label
• The more baits you can place and the closer you place them to where the cockroaches hide during the day, the better your control will be
• Remember to place baits around the access points of the home (entrances, openings, soffits, under steps, the garage) to intercept the cockroaches as they travel to and from the home