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Cockroaches can squeeze through cracks the size of a dime. Rats can enter through holes the size of a quarter.
🛠️ Use steel wool, caulk, or copper mesh to seal:
- Gaps around pipes
- Cracks in walls/foundations
- Openings near vents or doors
2. Keep a Spotless Kitchen
Cleanliness is your strongest weapon.
|
Habit
|
Benefit
|
|---|---|
|
✅ Wipe counters daily
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Removes food residue
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✅ Store food in sealed containers
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Denies access
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✅ Take out trash nightly
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Eliminates odor attraction
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✅ Clean under appliances
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Grease and crumbs attract roaches
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🚯 Never leave pet food out overnight.
3. Fix Leaks & Reduce Moisture
Cockroaches need water to survive — they die within a week without it.
🔧 Fix leaky faucets, wipe sinks dry, and use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements.
4. Use Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)
A truly natural and effective option.
- Made from fossilized algae
- Works by drying out exoskeletons of insects
- Safe for humans and pets when used properly
🛡️ Apply in thin layers behind appliances, along baseboards, or under sinks.
⚠️ Avoid breathing the dust — wear a mask during application.
5. Try Essential Oil Sprays (Temporary Deterrent)
While not a cure, some essential oils repel pests.
|
Oil
|
Effect
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|---|---|
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✅ Peppermint
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Repels cockroaches and mice
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✅ Cedarwood
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Disrupts insect scent trails
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✅ Eucalyptus
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Strong scent deters crawling insects
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🚫 These don’t kill pests — only discourage them temporarily.
6. Set Non-Toxic Traps
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Type
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Use
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|---|---|
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✅ Sticky traps
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Monitor and reduce roach numbers
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✅ Snap traps (for rats/mice)
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Humane and effective when placed correctly
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✅ Bait stations (child/pet-safe)
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Use gel baits in secure enclosures
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🎯 Place near walls — pests travel along edges.
7. Call a Professional When Needed
If you see droppings, gnaw marks, or multiple sightings: 👉 Call a licensed pest control service.
Many now offer eco-friendly treatments that target pests without excessive chemicals.
❌ Debunking the Myths
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Myth
|
Truth
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|---|---|
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❌ “Rice swells and kills rats”
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Biologically false — rodents eat dry grain daily
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❌ “Onions make cockroaches explode”
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Dangerous nonsense — no scientific basis
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❌ “Ultrasonic devices keep pests away”
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FTC says they’re largely ineffective
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❌ “One natural trick fixes everything”
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Infestations need comprehensive action
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Final Thoughts
You don’t need mystery powders or viral hacks to protect your home.
But you do deserve peace of mind.
So next time you’re facing a pest problem… pause.
Because real safety isn’t about fear. It’s about control — and taking back what’s yours.
And that kind of calm? It starts with one clean kitchen, one sealed crack, one smart decision.
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