With rising temperatures, a new summer guest appears in homes: cockroaches. These insects, belonging to the order Blattodea, become unwelcome companions when heat and dry spells push them indoors in search of food and shelter. Their presence is a reminder of how drought and warmth can amplify pest activity, especially in areas with limited rainfall and lingering humidity near rubbish and waste.
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Cockroaches also spend the summer in Alicante.
The Latin name Blattodea reminds that these insects have long been known for their resilience. The term Blatta originates from Greek roots meaning a creature that looks like a cockroach. Across the world there are more than 3,500 recognized species, yet in the Spanish region only a handful are commonly observed: the German cockroach (Blattella germanica), the oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis), the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), the brown-banded cockroach (Supella longipalpa), and the Australian cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae).
In southern Spain, and particularly in Alicante, the species most frequently encountered are the German cockroach (Blattella germanica), the black cockroach (Blatta orientalis), and the American cockroach, which tends to be larger and capable of flight. When a cockroach flies, it signals a higher level of infestation and a need for thorough control measures.
Preventing these pests from sneaking into a home on lower floors is challenging, so it is wise to take proactive steps to monitor and reduce their access. Homemade cockroach traps can play a role in this process.
What are cockroach eggs and how to destroy them?
In the southern regions of Spain, especially in Alicante, the most common targets are the German cockroach and the Eastern black cockroach, with the American roach also present due to its flight capability. These pests reproduce rapidly, and their eggs can survive for weeks in hidden crevices, making detection and control essential for a successful strategy.
Keeping cockroaches out of a home becomes notably tough on lower floors, where entry points are plentiful. Employing preventive measures and prompt cleanup routines remains a practical approach to minimize risk. Homemade traps can supplement more formal control methods.
Six homemade tricks to avoid cockroaches at home
Addressing the unsettling presence of cockroaches and their eggs calls for an effective plan. A commonly referenced household aid is baking soda. When used carefully, this substance can act as a poison against cockroaches, but it is most effective when paired with a bait to lure the insects toward it.
Another popular combination involves sugar. The sweetness attracts cockroaches, which makes the baking soda sugar duo work more efficiently by drawing them into the trap where they are exposed to the bait. This simple approach can help reduce a small infestation, especially when used in conjunction with clean, dry environments and regular monitoring.
The goal with these homemade methods is to localize activity and reduce roaming paths for roaches, particularly in kitchen areas, pantry shelves, heat-prone appliances, and dim spaces around the home where roaches tend to hide and forage.
Careful placement is crucial. Focus on warm, moist corners such as appliance motors, bread boxes, cupboards, and along door frames near the kitchen. A steady routine of cleaning, sealing cracks, and removing standing water complements any DIY trap strategy and improves overall results.
Types of wasps that kill cockroaches
Similarly, certain beneficial insects, including some wasp species, prey on cockroaches and can contribute to natural pest control in outdoor spaces. While these biological allies exist, indoor control typically requires a combination of sanitation, exclusion, and targeted interventions to be effective and safe.
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To create more control without heavy reliance on chemicals, one practical step is to prepare a simple trap with baking soda and sugar. Mix equal parts baking soda and sugar in a small bowl, then place the mixture in spots where cockroaches have been spotted, such as warm devices, bread containers, cupboards, and kitchen door frames. This approach provides an approachable option for households seeking a low-cost, low-toxicity measure that can reduce roach activity when used consistently and alongside good sanitation practices.