Winter is here, and you might think that your home, especially the kitchen and garden, are safe from pests like cockroaches. However, even though their activity decreases during this time, they can still be a terrible threat. Just like ants, cockroaches adapt to the cold and find ways to survive.
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Adapting to the Cold
When the temperatures drop, cockroaches seek shelter. They can bury themselves in the soil or hide in isolated corners of your home, especially behind furniture or in areas with large holes or cracks. Cold weather also triggers diapause, a state of physiological inactivity that inhibits the growth of eggs and larvae, resulting in lower reproduction rates. Additionally, cockroaches can survive without food for up to two to three months and without water for about a month.
Seizing the Opportunity
These factors make winter an ideal time for fumigation and efforts to eliminate cockroaches. Although the days may be frigid, providing an opportunity to ventilate your home during the day can be beneficial as cockroaches might come out in search of another shelter.
Taking Preventive Measures
To protect your home from cockroaches during winter, you can take several preventive measures. Start by covering the drains in your kitchen sink, bathroom, and all types of drains with plugs at night, as they serve as important access points for these nocturnal creatures. Additionally, if you are aware of any cracks or holes, make sure to seal them or perform necessary maintenance, as they can serve as entry points for various insects. Stagnant water is also an attractive zone for cockroaches, so be cautious of that.
It’s also essential to take precautions with food waste. Bags and containers holding leftovers should be properly sealed, and bins should have lids that prevent these insects from accessing them. When cleaning your home, pay close attention to areas behind appliances and inside furniture that can provide hiding spots for cockroaches, especially the stove. After each meal, particularly dinner, seal and store all food to prevent them from being attracted and try not to leave any leftovers on the table or floor.
Natural Remedies
Using chemical products to combat this pest can be harmful to humans and pets. However, there are natural remedies that act as barriers and repel cockroaches. One such remedy is vinegar, which has an unpleasant aroma for them. By cleaning the floor as usual and then doing a final pass with a 50-50 mixture of water and vinegar, you can deter them effectively. Additionally, certain plants like eucalyptus, bay leaves, lavender, and basil can be placed near doors and windows or used as air fresheners to keep cockroaches away.
The Dangers of Cockroaches
Cockroaches are known for their resilience, quick reproduction, and the diseases they can carry. They are a source of infections that can cause various illnesses, particularly respiratory conditions such as asthma. Asthma is a chronic condition that narrows and inflames the airways, leading to increased mucus production and difficulty in breathing. While asthma may be a minor inconvenience for some, it can significantly impact the daily lives of others since there is no cure for it.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cockroaches can also transmit salmonellosis, cause staphylococcal infections, spread E. coli bacteria, and contribute to typhoid fever and gastroenteritis by contaminating food.
By taking proactive steps to eliminate cockroaches from your home during winter, you can protect your family’s health and ensure a pest-free living environment.
Note: This article was originally published in Spanish and has been adapted and rewritten in English.