About a year ago, I found a slug on my kitchen floor. Perhaps a different woman would have shrieked and demanded that her husband kill the intruder, but compared with the monster roaches I encountered in my ten years in New York City, finding a slug was like finding a lost little cuddly bunny.
Pests happen. They happen in cities and in the country, they happen to fastidious housekeepers and lazy ones, and sometimes it seems like there’s nothing we can do about it. But depending on where you live and what kind of critter is trying to share your space, there are ways to keep them where they belong.
Roaches Begone!
Roaches are everywhere in the United States, but they’re most problematic for those who live in the Southeast, the West, and large, densely populated cities. Once cockroaches have infested a house, they’re very difficult to eradicate, so the best defense against them is a good offense. Adult roaches can fit through spaces as thin as a quarter, and young ones can squeeze through cracks as small as a dime. Use a caulk gun or spray foam to seal cracks in baseboards, in cabinets and cupboards, around plumbing and wiring fixtures, and any other gaps, cracks, holes, or openings in your house or apartment. If you have vents or ductwork that opens to the outside, cover them with screening material. Weather stripping is a good idea to protect underneath doors and around windows. Roaches love clutter, so get rid of dust and debris on the floor.
Since these vermin will eat just about anything, eliminate their food sources by storing all your food in sealed plastic containers, and clean up food particles in the kitchen and near appliances. Because roaches do most of their foraging at night, it’s important to do a cleaning sweep before bedtime to remove residues, put away the leftover pet food, remove dishes from the sink, and take out the trash. Whenever you bring anything into the house, such as grocery bags or shipping boxes, be sure to dispose of them right away in case they’re contaminated with roach eggs.
Bats in Your Belfry
I would never argue that hairy, winged animals should be allowed in the house, but bats are actually very beneficial to have around. The trick is keeping them near the house, where they control insects quite efficiently, without letting them inside. These nocturnal creatures are attracted to large clusters of insects and usually enter a house near the roof, where there may be gaps or cracks they can squeeze through, looking for warmth. Keep a screen over the chimney to prevent bats from flying down it, and make sure to screen vents and ductwork. If your attic attracts bats, try placing a strong fragrance like nontoxic menthol or eucalyptus in the area to discourage them. Many pest-removal companies recommend mothballs, but they’re not always effective, and they can be harmful to children and pets.
