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Once cockroaches have infested your home they can be quite difficult to get rid of. They have an amazing ability to survive and can carry and transmit several diseases. There are however some easy ways to prevent and rid your home of these often frightening little creatures.

Getting rid of the cockroach once he has taken up residence in your property can prove to be quite tough. These pests breed very quickly, and have a remarkable tenacity that makes them extremely hard to eradicate. They are able to carry disease, bacteria, and can exacerbate asthma in areas of heavy infestation.

The most definite sign of a cockroach infestation is simply seeing them in the home, but because they are nocturnal insects they are not always so easy to detect. When a severe infestation is present, cockroaches can often be seen during the day.

These loathsome bugs are quite distinctive in appearance and are therefore easily identifiable. Cockroaches are between half an inch and two inches long, with flat elongated bodies that are black, light or dark brown in colour. This insect also has six legs and a set of long antennae, making them unmistakable to recognise.

In order to expose the presence of these pests, one of the most common signs are their shell casings. These are the eggshells from recently hatched cockroaches, and are small, dark brown oval -shaped sheaths. You may also find small darkly coloured specks that are faecal pellets and regurgitated food that resemble fine grains of pepper.

Of the most distinctive signs is their characteristic smell. Cockroaches give off a very sweet, pungent, sickening odour, which becomes stronger when large numbers of the creatures are present.

Aside from all the hygiene risks associated with a cockroach infestation, the smell itself is highly unpleasant and can quickly permeate food that is left exposed to the air.

The best way to get rid of the cockroach is to prevent him entering in the first place. The simplest advice is to keep your house clean. These detestable bugs love to live in dirt, clutter and dark, damp places. You should therefore always contain your rubbish and keep it in a sealed bin outside of the house.

Endeavour to wash all dishes immediately after use and keep foodstuffs in sealed, airtight containers. You should also clean the bathroom and kitchen regularly as these areas are generally the first place cockroaches will establish a base.

By reducing shelter for the cockroach you are making your home unattractive to them. Remove any potential hiding places by disposing of extra clutter and remove any shelf paper from drawers and cabinets. If wallpaper becomes loose within the home, try to repair or replace it quickly to eliminate the chance of them getting comfortable.

You can also prevent them entering by going around the interior and exterior of your property and plugging any holes and crevices. Patch any cracks and use caulk to seal any openings that you find. You can also use steel wool around pipes to prevent the insects getting in.

Cockroaches cannot survive without water, so take away their supply by repairing any leaks, keeping your sinks and baths dry after use and pouring bleach down the drains.

You will find that boric acid powder is highly effective in killing roaches. It can be sprinkled or dusted onto virtually any surface. You should apply this to any area that is dark or damp but you can also dust places where you have seen cockroaches.

Despite their indestructible nature, there are plenty of ways to prevent the cockroach from getting into your home. As long as you follow these simple, common sense measures, you should be able to keep your home pest free at all times.

By keeping your home clean and clutter free, you should be able to keep the cockroach at bay.