A cockroach infestation is one of the most frustrating things a property owner can deal with. Out of desperation, some may turn to extreme measures for cockroach control. For example, some people believe that ants will get rid of cockroaches and introduce them strategically to the property.

Unfortunately, this is not an effective solution. In many cases, ants do not keep cockroaches away. Furthermore, a few ants may start an infestation that is at least as damaging as a cockroach problem. Fortunately, there are things you can do to cope with cockroaches that do not involve introducing another species.

What Is the Relationship Between Cockroaches and Ants?

Like many urban legends, the idea that ants can get rid of cockroaches has a basis in fact. There are several species of ants that become aggressive if they feel threatened by a competitor for food, water, and other resources. Examples include the Argentinian ant and the red imported fire ant. However, these ants are native to South America and other tropical locations. Ant species native to North America are not so aggressive and therefore unlikely to tear a cockroach apart as you may have seen in YouTube videos. The most that North American ant species would typically do is to scavenge the corpse of a cockroach that was already dead.

Even if it were effective cockroach control, you wouldn’t want to introduce red imported fire ants into your home or business. If members of this species see human beings or pets as a threat, they can act just as aggressively as they would toward a cockroach, and their stings are painful. An infestation of any ant species can be almost as bad as a cockroach infestation. Certain species, specifically carpenter ants, can cause significant property damage.

Most species of ants don’t take any notice of cockroaches one way or the other. These species are not particularly aggressive and do not see cockroaches as a threat. However, there have been documented cases of certain cockroach and ant species living together and helping one another. For example, the leafcutter ant and the Attaphila roach have a symbiotic relationship from which they both benefit.

What Are Some More Effective Methods of Cockroach Control?

There are more effective ways that you can keep cockroaches away from your home or business. You can prevent them from coming inside by sealing up any holes or cracks around the building, both externally and internally. Pay particular attention to the weather stripping around your windows, repairing or replacing it as necessary. Such measures may be effective at keeping both roaches and ants out.

Even if cockroaches get inside, they are unlikely to stick around long if the environment is not favourable to them. Both cockroaches and ants need easy access to water, so you should avoid allowing water to sit in places such as sinks or potted plants and repair any leaks. Ants and cockroaches both eat almost anything, so you should keep kitchens clean, put food away in sealed containers, and wash dishes daily.

Cockroaches in particular like to hide in dark, out-of-the-way places. Inspect areas such as basements, attics, and crawlspaces regularly for signs of infestation or conditions that would be favourable to roaches, such as water leaks. Cockroaches also like to hide under things, so you should clear away any clutter in your house to avoid providing them hiding spaces. For example, don’t allow laundry to pile up because this could provide an opportunity for roaches to hide.

Providing Professional Ant and Cockroach Control

Sometimes an infestation is beyond your control. Fortunately, Truly Nolen can exterminate ants, cockroaches, and many other pests. Check out the services we provide to homes and businesses in your area today!