Many people believe that cockroaches only reside in filthy environments. However, there are many reasons why cockroaches would be attracted to a home, even a relatively clean one. Cockroaches are attracted to any property that provides them with their basic needs of food, water, and a place to live. If cockroaches can find a home with these requirements, they will most likely stay unless they’re properly dealt with¡ªand they may invite their friends in the process. Cockroaches are seen as one of the most resilient and persistent pests due to their ability to adapt to extreme conditions. They also pose several health hazards to a home’s inhabitants (and pets) through the spread of disease and bacteria. Homeowners should contact pest control at the first sign of cockroaches’ presence. To ensure your home doesn’t become infested, find out what attracts cockroaches and how to keep them from sticking around.
I’ve learned the hard way that cockroaches aren’t just a problem for dirty homes. A few years back, I spotted one in my kitchen despite keeping things tidy, and it was a wake-up call. According to studies, cockroaches can carry over 30 types of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella, which is why catching them early is crucial. One practical tip I’ve picked up is to set out sticky traps near suspected areas to monitor for activity before calling in the pros. It’s a cheap way to gauge if you’ve got a bigger problem brewing. Also, sealing up entry points like gaps around windows or doors can make a huge difference¡ªcockroaches can flatten their bodies to slip through cracks as small as 1/16 of an inch!
Dirty Dishes in the Sink Can Attract Roaches
It can be easy to finish dinner and pile up dirty dishes in the sink to soak, then deal with the mess the next morning. However, this could be an invitation for cockroaches to gather in and around the kitchen sink. Cockroaches are attracted to the odors and food particles on dirty dishes. They can even feast on leftover residue in drinking glasses. Once a cockroach recognizes a food source, it will relentlessly pursue it. This is why it’s essential to wash the dishes in the sink as often as possible and not allow them to sit around for long periods. Try rinsing dirty plates with soap and water if they must be in the sink longer than a few hours. It will also help clean the sink often, either with a commercial or DIY solution, so there are no leftover food debris or odors.
I’ll admit, I’ve been guilty of leaving dishes in the sink overnight, thinking it’s no big deal. But cockroaches can smell food residues from a mile away¡ªor so it seems! A study from the University of Florida found that cockroaches are particularly drawn to starchy and sugary residues, like those left on plates or in glasses. A quick trick I’ve started using is to mix a bit of vinegar and water for a DIY sink cleaner¡ªit’s cheap, effective, and keeps the sink less appealing to roaches. If you’re strapped for time, even a quick rinse of dishes can cut down on the food scents that draw these pests in. It’s a small habit that saves a lot of hassle.
Unsealed Garbage Cans Invite Cockroaches
Open trash cans and unsealed garbage bags are another example of what attracts cockroaches. A homeowner may think their trash is safe from cockroaches if there isn’t any food in their trash bags; however, cockroaches can feed on more than the food humans and their pets eat. A cockroach can ingest materials that could be toxic to other pests, such as glue, paper, drywall, hair, and dandruff, which may be present in a household trash can. Homeowners with open garbage containers should empty them as often as possible or consider purchasing a trash can with a lid. However, it’s not just what’s inside the trash bag that will attract cockroaches¡ªthe outside of the can may also have spills or debris that could invite cockroaches. They may not be visible at first glance, so be sure to clean the trash can often. Wipe down the garbage can with a cleaning solution after emptying it and regularly wash the interior and exterior with soap, hot water, and a scrubbing tool. Outdoor garbage cans should also be cleaned to remove any debris that could attract cockroaches.
Trash cans are like a buffet for cockroaches, and I learned this after noticing a few near my outdoor bins. Research shows cockroaches can survive on non-food items because their digestive systems break down cellulose in things like paper or cardboard. I started using a trash can with a tight-fitting lid, which cost me about $20, and it’s been a game-changer. A pro tip is to sprinkle a little baking soda inside the can before adding a new bag¡ªit helps neutralize odors that might lure roaches. Also, giving the outside of the can a quick scrub every couple of weeks keeps sticky spills from building up. It’s a bit of effort, but it’s worth it to keep those creepy crawlies away.
Excess Moisture Draws Cockroaches
As cockroaches can’t go too long without water, they’re always in search of a water source. Additionally, many cockroaches come from humid climates, causing them to want to return to similar conditions. This is why an intrusion of cockroaches most often occurs in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. They can be attracted to leaks in the plumbing in the bathroom or spills in the kitchen. They also may hide out under an air conditioning unit to drink up the extra condensation. It’s common to find cockroaches living under large appliances that use water, as well as damp basements. To remedy this, mop up any excess spills, clean under air conditioning units and other large appliances, and monitor plumbing for leaks.
Humidity is a cockroach magnet, and I’ve seen this firsthand in my basement after a rainy season. Cockroaches can survive without food for weeks but only a few days without water, which is why they flock to damp spots. A dehumidifier, which you can get for as low as $30, can work wonders in basements or laundry rooms. I also make it a point to check under my fridge and AC unit monthly for any drips¡ªfixing a small leak early can save you from a bigger pest problem. If you’re dealing with plumbing issues, a quick call to a plumber might cost $100-$200, but it’s a small price to pay compared to an infestation.
Food Crumbs and Debris Are a Feast for Cockroaches
From open food containers left out on the counter to crumbs on the floor, cockroaches can easily find their way to these food sources. Unseen food particles can also be present on carpets or in between furniture without detection. Cockroaches can find the smallest food debris and feed on anything left over. It’s recommended to vacuum the home, especially high traffic areas, two times per week to keep pests at bay. Cockroaches will also feed on spilled pet food, so it’s important to clean up after animals and clear food bowls from the floor after mealtimes. Other places where homeowners may forget about excess debris are toasters, ovens, and stovetops. Take time to deep-clean appliances and sweep up extra crumbs underneath and around large appliances.
I’ve got a dog, and let me tell you, spilled kibble is like a cockroach dinner bell. Studies suggest that even a single crumb can sustain a cockroach for days, so staying on top of messes is key. I’ve started vacuuming my kitchen and living room every few days, which takes maybe 10 minutes, and it’s cut down on random crumbs. For appliances like toasters, I shake them out over the sink every week to avoid buildup. A handy trick is to keep pet food in sealed containers rather than open bags¡ªspending $10 on a good canister can prevent a lot of pest headaches.
Some Locations in the Home Are More Prone to Cockroaches
As mentioned above, cockroaches are drawn to warm and humid environments. While they are active year-round, roaches are most active in the summer. As the weather turns colder, cockroaches will find refuge in homes to stay warm. Humid environments are perfect places for cockroaches to make their homes. Additionally, basements and other moisture-ridden areas in the home provide a water source. A cockroach can squeeze through minuscule holes, so it’s essential to go through the house and patch up any cracks or crevices.
Summer is definitely cockroach season in my area, and I’ve noticed they seem to pop up more when it’s warm. Data from pest control companies shows a 20% spike in cockroach calls during summer months. I’ve found that using a $5 tube of caulk to seal cracks around baseboards and windowsills is a quick fix that really helps. Also, keeping an eye on basements or crawlspaces with a flashlight can reveal hiding spots you might miss. It’s tedious, but spending an hour every few months to inspect and seal entry points can keep your home less inviting to these pests.
If You’re Dealing with a Cockroach Infestation, Call a Professional
Seeing just one cockroach in the home could be a sign of a possible infestation that will need to be addressed. If there are still cockroaches present in the home after practicing good house hygiene and utilizing the tips above, contact a pest control professional to assess the infestation and determine the best course of action. While a DIY boric acid treatment might help, a professional knows how to eradicate cockroaches. In the future, survey the home at least once a month to ensure cockroach prevention strategies are still in place and working correctly.
I tried the DIY route with boric acid once, and while it helped a bit, it wasn’t a full fix. Pest control pros often use targeted treatments that are more effective, and many offer eco-friendly options now, which I appreciate. The cost for a professional visit might run $100-$300 depending on the infestation, but it’s worth it for peace of mind. I also set a calendar reminder to check my home monthly for any signs of roaches¡ªit’s a simple habit that helps me stay proactive. If you’re seeing more than one or two roaches, don’t wait; a pro can save you from a much bigger problem down the line.