What can I do to help minimize or get rid of cockroaches?

Cockroaches thrive where food and water are available to them. Even tiny amounts of crumbs or liquids caught between cracks provide a food source. Important sanitation measures include the following: store food in insect-proof containers such as glass jars or re-seal-able plastic containers, keep garbage and trash containers with tight fitting lids and use liners. Remove trash, newspapers, magazines, piles of paper bags, rags, boxes, and other items that provide hiding places and harborage. Eliminate plumbing leaks and correct other sources of free moisture. Increase ventilation where condensation is a problem. Vacuum cracks and crevices to remove food and debris. Be sure surfaces where food or beverages have been spilled are cleaned up immediately. Vacuuming also removes cockroaches, shed skins, and egg capsules.