Can Cockroaches Eat Through Silicone?

Caulking is indestructible to roaches. Which is why you should apply silicone-based sealant to any cracks whenever possible. Silicone-based sealants harden quickly, cannot be chewed through by roaches, and can last for at least 20 years if properly applied.

Cockroaches are very resourceful and can chew through just about anything. However, when it comes to silicone-based sealants, they cannot eat through them. This is why you should always use a silicone-based sealant instead of a latex-based one, especially if you’re dealing with cockroaches.

Latex caulk will eventually wear down and the roaches will be able to get in, but silicone caulking will last much longer. In fact, proper application of silicone-based sealant can keep roaches out for up to 20 years! So next time you have to deal with cockroaches, make sure you use a silicone-based sealant on all the cracks in your house.

Things You Need To Caulk

• Caulking gun
• Silicone-based caulking (you’ll need more than you realize)
• Bucket
• Sponge
• Dish soap
• Borax (this is a nice to have)

How Do You Get Rid Of Roaches With Caulking?

The first line of defense is to seal possible access points for roaches. Although it may be tough to completely prevent infestations, closing gaps can help. Unintentional entranceways for roaches and other pests include cracks in walls, gaps around doors and windows, and torn screens. Weather strips that are properly installed, as well as window and door trim, make it more difficult for unwanted guests to enter.

Caulk or silicone should be used on larger holes and cracks; soapy water aids in the smooth application of either. If you want to seal off gaps on the outside of your property, look for silicone or caulk that is meant for outdoor use. Because of its thin applicator, foam performs well for minor holes and cracks.

Step 1: Load The Caulking Gun

Load the caulking gun with waterproof silicone sealant. You can use either white or clear. However, make sure that it is in fact waterproof.

Step 2: Start Caulking The Kitchen & Bathroom

Considering that the kitchen and bathroom are two high-traffic areas for cockroaches, we want to tackle these rooms first. Start by sealing all areas that have exposed plumbing. Make sure that there is no gaps left around the pipes.

This is essential because roaches require water more than food. Make sure your tub is caulked all around, including the top of the wall surround. If you have tiles, caulk any gaps in the grout. Caulk around the pipes as well as around the cabinet or sink if it is hung on the wall. If your vanity or sink is mounted to the wall, caulk around it or surrounding area.

Keep a damp paper towel on your person to clean your hand with. Examine your cabinets. Cabinets are sometimes hung on walls with holes in them that you can’t detect or seal up, so caulk all around your cabinets. Along the joint, squirt out the caulk and smooth it down with a wet fingertip. Clean off any excess silicone.

• Make sure there is no gap between each cabinet box and the one next to it. Also, check the tops of your cabinets and seal them off up there, as well. Check inside your cabinets for any gaps on the back wall.
• Make certain that the sink is sealed to the countertop.
• If you discover any significant gaps, fill them with expanding foam.
• The space between the countertop and the cabinet box on the underside is a secret entrance that roaches are aware of but you aren’t. Take everything out and seal it up tight! Do all of your cabinets in your entire kitchen.

Step 3: Caulk All Outlet Covers

There are various baits that an exterminator has access to that the general public does not. The expert may insert bait inside the walls before you remove all of the switch plate covers and seal them up. Tell them to put a lot of bait in because it will be difficult to get back in when you’re done. The baited cockroaches return to the nest, die, are consumed by others, and kill at least a few of the bugs.

You must remove and caulk every single switchplate and outlet cover of any type, even if they are metal (wipe away any extra that oozes out). You might believe they’d enter through the prong holes on an outlet, but there isn’t much room. If you’re concerned about it, you can use plug covers.

Step4: Keep Your Eyes Open For Other Potential Entrances & Exits For Roaches

Crawl around the margins of your rooms. Any point where a wall meets a floor, ceiling, windowsill, door jamb, or trim item requires caulking. It takes time and lots of caulk to do this properly. If you’re unsure whether or not to caulk it, just do it.

If you see cockroaches go in or out of any crevice, cupboard, or drawer, make sure to caulk it immediately.

Once You’re Done Caulking, Starve The Roaches Out

Cockroaches typically enter homes in search of food, water, and shelter. Even if your home is completely clean, roaches may be drawn to secret or forgotten food and drink sources due to their attraction to warm, damp locations. They are attracted to warm, damp places, so keep an eye on tiny plumbing leaks and use a dehumidifier in the basement and other moisture-prone areas.

Check all around the counters and appliances for missed spills or crumbs. Your kitchen flooring will be much less appealing after a fast, regular sweeping. Here are some additional roach control ideas to include into your everyday routine:

• Keep food in airtight containers or the refrigerator
• If you have pets, put their food and water away in the night
• You should avoid using cardboard boxes for storage in your house and garage
• Trash should be taken out every night and placed in a trash can with a tight-fitting lid

When you find cockroaches in your house, take action right away. A single cockroach may be an indication of an infestation, and you’ll need expert assistance to get rid of these persistent pests.

Don’t Forget To Use Bait & Traps

You still want to kill cockroaches if they enter your home so make sure to still be on the offense, even though you’re sealing them away.

You can use sticky traps, pesticide dusts, bottle traps, and many different DIY traps and baits. However, the best homemade cockroach killer is going to be borax mixed with sugar.

Roaches will eat the borax and bring some back to their nest to feed the others. There, the borax and sugar will kill even more cockroaches and their young. I recommend reading this article on how to kill cockroaches with borax.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you can make your home less appealing to cockroaches and help to keep them from entering in the first place. If you do find cockroaches in your home, don’t hesitate to take action and call a professional. There are many different methods of extermination that can be used, but the best way to start is by caulking up their entrances and starving them out.

Caulking is one of the best ways to keep cockroaches from entering your home, but it’s not the only thing you can do. Make sure to also use traps and bait, especially borax mixed with sugar. Roaches will eat the borax and bring some back to their nest to feed the others. There, the borax and sugar will kill even more cockroaches and their young.

Remember, it’s important to be proactive rather than reactive when dealing with cockroaches, as they can be very difficult to get rid of. If you already have an infestation, it’s best to call a professional pest control company to get rid of them for good.