Besides being a nuisance, cockroaches can spread various bacteria and other harmful microbes in your home, such as staphylococcus, salmonella, and streptococcus. These bacteria can lead to symptoms like stomach aches, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and general sickness. The bacteria can survive in the pests' bodies for a long time, increasing the chances of infections.

This article will discuss common cockroach control mistakes you could make in your home.

Improper Food Storage

You should store your food in covered containers or the refrigerator. Leaving your food in the open attracts cockroaches. You may not see the pests during the daytime, but they will sneak out in the darkness to scavenge for food. Also, avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink. You should wash the utensils as soon as possible after eating. 

If you don't have time to clean the dishes, you can place them in a sealed container. However, don't let the utensils stay in there for too long as they can start to smell. Food items, such as chocolates or biscuits that may not seem like a big deal, can attract roaches too. So, you should find a suitable place to store them.

Clutter

You shouldn't pile up excessive clutter in your home. Ensure you eliminate these items to avoid congesting your home, whether it's old clothes, carton boxes, newspapers, broken appliances, or toys. Decluttering will help you free up more space, making it hard for the roaches to hide or breed. Also, you should regularly check the food in your kitchen cabinets and throw away expired items or ones you no longer use.

Ignoring Other Pests

Pests are usually co-dependent on each other, so if one species invades your home, others will follow. For example, if you have rats in your home, you will likely have cockroaches too. Rats can chew various items, creating entry points and conducive hiding spots for roaches. The rats can also leave traces of food in multiple areas of your home, further attracting roaches. 

You can pest-proof your home by sealing spaces under doors, windows, and the chimney. You can also clear bushes and shrubs around your home to prevent rodents and other pests from hiding there. 

Using Store-Bought Pesticides

While commercial pesticides can kill roaches, they may expose you to toxic chemicals if you decide to use them. Pest control experts have safety gear you may not have, including goggles or face shields, aprons, boots, body covering, gloves, respirators, and air-purifying respirators. 

Chemical exposure can lead to various respiratory complications. You may experience sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. If you cannot eliminate the roaches in your home, you should call a commercial pest control service to help you.