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Cockroaches and rats: Solving the dilemma
The two things that most people definitely do not want to share their home with are rats and cockroaches. Depending on your disposition, these two domestic nasties will either make your skin crawl or send you screaming from the room. Jane Namusisi a resident of Kireka, says however much she tries to take preventive measures against these two menaces, they still find their way back into her house.
The main source of cockroaches and rats in a home is the improperly managed rubbish, food remains and dusty dark places in the house. All of us use solid materials in our homes. We are used to food that comes in containers and a number of supplies that come in bags, boxes and plastic packages.
Then there are parts of the meal that we do not eat, like vegetable peelings and chicken guts. What about the plastic containers that we pile up in our homes and the old newspapers and old books. This makes up the garbage in our homes. Then we have the clogged up sewers which also help attract rats and cockroaches.
It is thus irrefutable that as we aim at building better homes, we so many a times neglect the waste management bit of it. Patrick Ajuna recommends proper waste management at home as the only sure preventive mode against cockroaches and rats in the long term. So what are the real solutions to combating roaches and rats in a home?
In the case of cockroaches, one can purchase and use garbage cans and compost bins that can be sealed. Regular washing of the containers with anti-bacterial-based products is also a sure long term help. Great care should be taken to ensure that toilet lids are closed and drains plugged. The same cockroach that just ran up a sewer pipe can be crawling across your toothbrush.
Dark crevices should be continuously sprayed using an effective pesticide as they are another great hide out for cockroaches. In addition, cardboard use should be minimised and it is advisable to always clean areas such as the kitchen and bathroom with an anti-bacterial product.
However, for rats and mice, it is a different story altogether as concerns control and eradication. Most people would prefer using rat traps and poisoning. But as is always the case, prevention is better than cure. Poison pellets and traps work well to get rid of mice. Ideally use pellets that force mice to come out in the open and die.
Perhaps one should also consider getting a feline companion. Cats are one good kind of pets that can help rid the home of mice. Remember not to leave any food material, including garbage in the open. Once mice are starved they will definitely leave the house in search for “greener pastures.”
