Successful roach control depends on a combination of methods and tools. Prevention and sanitation are the foundation of the effort as its way easier to prevent roaches than to get rid of them once they have become established. Next we will discuss baits, dusts and sprays. You might consider calling a professional to perform the dirty work. They have the gear and know-how to do a methodical job and have access to chemicals unavailable to homeowners.

Roach management begins with prevention and sanitation. Prevention just means barring roaches from your home. Keeping window screens repaired and the doors and windows shut will make prevention easier, but the majority of the time roaches catch a ride into the home in bags or boxes. So inspect everything and anything before it comes in your house. Any sign of roaches or roach eggs, or brown liquid stains is a red flag.

The next step is sanitation. Thoroughly vacuum everything. cleaning every surface with hot soapy water will destroy the pheromone (scent) that roaches find attractive. Then eliminate the roach necessities, that is, food water and shelter. If you can do this phase well, roaches will find it very difficult to get established. After all would you want to live where there was very little in the way of food, water or shelter?

Rose planting can be started in the southern part of the south during the last half of the month. If you have not ordered you should do so soon, as newer varieties are usually in scarce quantity by now. The old favorites, however, should be in good supply. Do not be afraid to try the new varieties and the All”America selection for the current year.

Birds: This month is usually very hard on birds in the garden. Provide a place for water and see that it is kept filled every day. Also, provide some food in the form of small grains. Put these items near a window and let the children enjoy “bird- watching.”

Pruning and spraying: There are always enough mild days in January to do remedial and heavy pruning. Be sure to prune for a purpose, not just for the sake of exercise! Prune to remove dead or diseased wood, or to correct the pattern of growth. Cuts over one inch in diameter should be painted with a waterproof paint to prevent decay or entrance of insect pests.