How to Protect Your Kitchen from Invasive Cockroaches

Are you aware the cockroaches feed on decaying organic matter? In nature, they help with the decomposition of many organic materials. But, this helpful trait isn't all that helpful when roaches get into your kitchen. The same cockroach that climbs into your trash bin to feed and break down organic materials can be found crawling around on your counters, cutting boards, dishes, and other surfaces. This can expose everyone in your home to harmful bacteria. You can prevent this by getting a trash bin for your kitchen that has a lid that seals. This will help to keep cockroaches out.

Do you know that cockroaches like confined spaces? In nature, they climb around in the gaps between rocks. They love to have their bellies and their backs touching two hard surfaces at the same time. This trait will have them squeezing in between your oven and the wall where food, oils, and juices can be found. Can you imagine licking the side of your stove? Well, when cockroaches feed in this dirty spot in your kitchen, they pick up invisible microbes and carry them to your dishes and food prep surfaces. Routine, deep cleaning of your kitchen can reduce the rotting organic material in the hidden places cockroaches squeeze into.

Do you know that cockroaches feed on feces? In nature, they don't just help with the decomposition of dead animals; they move through and feed on the dung of living animals. They are very beneficial. But a cockroach inside your home can be found crawling across a toilet rim or getting into your cat's litter box. And, as you can probably guess, that will expose you to harmful unseen organisms. It doesn't take long for cockroaches to get from your bathroom or cat box to your kitchen. These are swift and mobile insects. You can reduce this risk by keeping your toilet bowls as clean as possible and adding baking soda to your cat's litter.

Do you know that cockroaches can chew through cardboard and paper? In nature, they chew dead leaves into pieces that small organisms can make even smaller. Decomposition in nature is a team effort. This chewing ability helps cockroaches to gain access to foods that are contained in cardboard or paper. You can prevent this by putting these items in plastic, sealable containers. Do this for dog and cat food as well. Cockroaches eat a wide range of foods.