A few weeks back my friend called and asked me why are roaches coming from fireplace, he told me that he was frustrated with the roaches coming from fireplace.
So, of course, I told him the solution needed to solve this issue, but a few weeks later few more people asked me about the same issue and told me to solve it for them.
Now, here I am with a detailed article for those people who are struggling with roaches coming from fireplace. If you have the same issue then this article is for you and you should read it properly.
Main Points for Roaches Coming from Fireplace
- Fireplaces are the right place to hide and a potential breeding ground for roaches or cockroaches.
- Something rotting in your fireplace like birds, animals, or some food item accidentally left inside the fireplace.
- The fireplace is a nice place to find warmth and shelter from pests like roaches.
- Roaches carry diseases, cause allergies, contaminate foods, and cause a serious issue called asthma which can be life-threatening for some individuals.
What are Roaches?
Cockroaches are insects with flat bodies and long antennas. They are quick movers and are commonly found in households and buildings.
While they can cause a problem by spreading diseases and contaminating food, they also play a role in cleaning up by consuming dead and decaying matter. Although there are many kinds of cockroaches only a select few are bother to humans.
Why Are Roaches Coming from Fireplace?
Roaches love to hide in dark and warm places and the fireplace fulfils the criteria, It is a suitable place for roaches to increase their population rapidly.
Some food items or woodfires are stored near fireplace, so they are drawn to the fireplace which are the food sources for roaches or cockroaches.
Not keeping cleanliness or mess around the fireplace is one of the common issues for roaches coming from the fireplace.
Potential Risk of Roaches in Fireplaces
There are many risks of roaches in fireplaces but here are some of the common risks as follows:
- Roaches can spread harmful diseases to humans even to your pets.
- Roaches can cause asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.
- They can contaminate your food items which if consumed can cause food poisoning.
- If the population of roaches is high in your fireplace it can reduce the efficiency of your fireplace by blocking the air vents which eventually causes accumulation of creosote because of inefficient incomplete combustion.
- Eventually, they will damage the insulation, wiring, and other crucial parts, leading to potential safety hazards.
Preventing Roaches from Entering Fireplaces
Prevention is better than cure is applicable to roaches because there is a reason to once your house is infested by roaches no matter how much pest control you do, after some time they will appear.
So, here are some prevention from roaches are as follows:
Use Screens and Covers
Using screens and covers on your fireplace vents and ensuring they seal properly and without any gaps is one of the best ways to prevent roaches from the fireplace.
Store Firewood Properly
Keep firewood away from your home’s foundation and elevate it off the ground.
Always check the wood for any signs of roaches in it before bringing it inside the fireplace.
Seal Cracks and Openings
Check for any cracks and openings from where the roaches can enter and seal them with the use of white chalk or weatherstripping.
Sealing ensures the blocking of the entry of new roaches inside the fireplace.
Clean Mess
Keep the fireplace as clean as possible because roaches are attracted to mess and dirt, which means it needs to be cleaned.
Use a vacuum to suck any debris, food particles, and some decaying matter which can invite roaches.
Eliminating Roaches in Fireplaces
If your fireplace is already infested with roaches then with prevention you need elimination because you need to stop the growth of the roaches, so here are some steps which if done correctly helps to eliminate all the roaches.
Here are the most used steps are as follows:
Professional Pest Control
Contact a pest control company there must be pest control companies available in your area, consider a local company that already has working experience in your area.
Because how the pesticides are going to respond depends on the environment it self.
Their charges vary from place to place but they are usually pocket-friendly for most people.
DIY Methods
If you want to remove the roaches without the help of professional pest control and do it yourself then here are some things which help a lot to eliminate the roaches.
1. Boric Acid
Boric acid is believed to be one of the best home remedies for cockroaches.
2. Neem
Neem has been used as a desi natural remedy for a lot of things including pests over the years
3. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is among the most efficient essential oils for repelling cockroaches.
4. Baking Soda
Mixing baking soda and sugar together can help manage the growth of these pests.
5. Fabric Softener
Whenever you spot a cockroach, spray this mixture on it directly and watch it die. But, this might not be the best solution for a large-scale infestation.
6. Bay Leaves
Crush some bay leaves and sprinkle them in your cupboards or where you spot them often.
7. Pepper, Onion, And Garlic
Prepare a solution of pepper powder, onion paste, and garlic, and then mix it in one liter of water. Sprinkle the solution around the infested places.
8. Bleach
This can be a very effective chemical-free way to drive cockroaches away from your home.
9. Cucumber
Store a couple of cucumber slices in a metal container and let it sit. The interaction between the cucumber and the metal can produce an odor that repels cockroaches.
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning is important for removing any debris, roach eggs, food items, and dead or decaying matter.
Using a vacuum would help a lot to suck out all the things that attract roaches or cockroaches.
FAQ
What smell do cockroaches hate?
Cockroaches have a keen sense of smell and can hate specific odors. Although there isn’t one smell that all cockroaches universally hate, there are a few scents that are effective in keeping them away. Some popular options are citrus fruits such as lemon and orange, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and bay leaves.
Why do roaches come out when the lights are off?
Roaches are creatures who stay up at night and sleep during the day, which means they are more active at night because it is their natural habitat. so when the lights are off it looks like their natural environment to go out and search for food.