If there is one thing that cockroaches cant stand, it is a clean commercial kitchen or apartment unit.
There is nothing more unappealing to these purveyors of filth and diseases such as E. coli and salmonella than maintenance staff and residents picking up food particles, wiping up spilled liquids and keeping food in sealed containers. It just ruins their day.
Implementing and consistently carrying out sanitation protocols is the most important element of an effective roach management program. It is ultimately the responsibility of the facility or property manager to ensure these tasks are completed but pest management professionals can play a vital role as well.
Sanitation & Exclusion Tips
Cockroaches thrive where food and water are readily available. Even the tiniest amounts of food waste or liquids caught in a crack or crevice can provide a food source for cockroaches. These tips, when implemented, will limit access to these valuable resources by cockroaches:
Store food and ingredients in insect-proof containers such as glass jars or resealable plastic containers.
Keep garbage and trash in containers with tight-fitting lids and use liners. Keep dumpsters away from doorways. Remove trash, cardboard boxes, shipping pallets and containers, and other items that provide hiding places and harborage for cockroaches.
Eliminate plumbing leaks and correct other sources of moisture. Increase ventilation where condensation is a problem.
Vacuum cracks and crevices to remove food and debris. Be sure surfaces where food or beverages have been spilled are cleaned up immediately. Vacuuming removes cockroaches, shed skins and egg capsules, as well as reduces their numbers and slows development.