Homeowners who don’t get rid of roaches immediately when they see one at home are at risk of experiencing a major roach infestation. And when these creatures accumulate, you could look at an uncontrollable multitude of major infestations that simple preventive measures cannot eliminate.
The main goal of a roach cleanout is to simultaneously eliminate as many roach infestations as possible. Professionals usually do it because the process involves various steps that should properly be followed to ensure the cleanout is successful. After the clean-out, it’s the responsibility of the homeowner to make sure that he maintains his property clean and pest-free.
- You must do various pre-treatment preparations to ensure proper sanitation before the major clean-out begins.
- A roach cleanout usually consists of three main steps, from flushing out to fogging the entire household.
- Several professional services offer roach clean-out, so you should be smart to choose one that fits your budget and household.
We don’t want you to experience a severe roach infestation. But just in case you do, you need to learn more about roach cleanout and the steps behind it. And this guide is here to help.
A Roach Clean Out Explained
A roach cleanout is a three-step process that aims to eradicate larger and more scattered roach infestations at home. The main goal of these clean-outs is to exterminate almost, if not all, the current roach population on your property with a single treatment.
The Importance of Sanitation
Before the main cleanout procedure, sanitation is essential. This can help better roach control in the future, with the participation of the homeowners, aka, you. First, all areas to be treated must be cleaned with no oily or greasy residues on the surfaces. After thoroughly inspecting your professional exterminator, sanitation is the next step.
When treatment is about to commence, all people and pets should leave the property at least four hours before. All areas under the sinks, stoves, cabinets, and refrigerators should also be cleaned, and no items should be left inside. This also includes any storage box, pantry, or drawer you have at home. You can place the items you removed on a table. Cover them with a blanket or plastic, so they don’t get affected during the clean-out.
After removing all items and cleaning the areas under each cabinet, you must remove the outlet covers and switches. Next, you can use a vacuum to ensure no tangible dirt or filth is left behind. Plus, vacuuming also helps with eliminating old carcasses and roach feces. The dishwasher should also have no kitchenware, and all appliances should be bare. Also, remember to clean up your counter space.
The Main Clean-Up Procedure
After the sanitation process, the next step is composed of three parts:
- Spraying a natural residual product that can instantly kill the roaches while foraging.
- The next step involves crevice and cracks work to ensure these pests won’t be coming back soon.
- The last step involves fogging the entire area.
The first two parts are collectively termed the flushing action. These parts of the clean-out ensure total roach elimination, especially the creatures that seem distressed and disturbed after the sanitation process. After the flushing action, that’s the only time exterminators can proceed with fogging the area. After that, they use a chemical repellent to reduce the roaches on your property.
The After-Care
After flushing and fogging, you can finally return to your home. But there are after-care measures you need to accomplish to ensure it’s safe to return to your everyday lives.
For starters, fogging kills visible roaches, so it’s normal to see dead carcasses scattered in your rooms. You can use a vacuum or a broom to remove these, especially in areas underneath the cabinets, couches, or refrigerators. Remember also to check the storage bins.
After vacuuming, wipe down or clean the floors, kitchen countertops, appliances, cabinets, and other surfaces affected by the fogging action. This will help make the space more conducive to humans. Then, before returning what you removed from the cabinets, storage boxes, and drawers, do another round of vacuuming. After which, that’s the only time you can return all the items removed.
Ways To Prevent Another Round of Roach Infestation
After a major roach clean-out, you don’t want to be experiencing another large infestation anytime soon. This is why you must follow preventive measures to protect your home from roaches and other pests. Take note of the following recommendations by most professional exterminators:
- Schedule a follow-up bait service with your exterminator to ensure even the roach hatchlings are removed.
- Always clean and remove food leftovers, stains, and spills. For leftovers, place them in tightly sealed containers.
- Rinse bottles, cans, and containers you’re placing inside the garbage bins. Throw the garbage bags out every three days.
- Seal cracks, gaps, and holes, where roaches can potentially enter.
The Bottom Line
Nobody wants to experience a major roach infestation. But if you’re one of the unfortunate ones, don’t worry. Professional exterminators and clean-out services can help you quickly and easily eliminate these pests. A roach clean-out takes three major steps — from the flushing action to fogging your home to get rid of roaches.
However, hiring professionals for a roach clean-out does not mean you don’t need to do anything anymore. There’s the initial sanitation process you must adhere to and the aftercare and preventive measures. The after-care is as important as the treatment proper because it helps ensure roaches won’t be coming back anytime soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Exactly Is a Flush-Out of Roaches?
Flushing out occurs during the first stage of a roach clean-out. After emptying all your drawers, tables, containers, and cabinets, professional exterminators spray a product that will stun the roaches and kill them. The product is also sprayed on sockets, cracks, voids, and crevices.
Why Do Roaches Suddenly Come Out of Their Hiding Spots When They’re About To Die?
Controversies about this continue to be popular, but some scientists hypothesize this happens because roaches undergo muscle spasms and disorientation.
