Cockroaches are some of the most common household pests in the United States–as well as the most feared. There are 55 different cockroach species found in the US, with an estimated 63% of homes that contain cockroach allergens of some kind, according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
While most people think, “It could never happen to me,” we’ve found in our fieldwork that homes of any kind can get cockroaches–no matter how dirty or clean.
If you are currently dealing with Maryland cockroaches in your home, you aren’t alone. Cockroaches are some of the most difficult household pests to get rid of, and their presence is not always indicative of a dirty home.
However, there are several factors that may contribute to a cockroach infestation. We’ve listed seven reasons you might have cockroaches in your home based on our field experience working with thousands of homeowners.
1. Unsealed Trash
Cockroaches are attracted to food scraps that may be lying around your trash. Unfortunately, leaving your trash can unsealed or overflowing with trash can attract these pests. So a simple way to prevent cockroaches is to seal up your trash cans and bags and place them in a secure receptacle where bugs can’t enter.
2. Poor Landscaping
Many homeowners are alarmed to learn that leaves, twigs, and dying grass can be magnets of roaches and other insects.
Poor landscaping can attract cockroaches outside your home that eventually migrate inside during the colder months. So mow your yard, eliminate leaf piles, clean up any clutter, and consider investing in a landscaping company if it makes sense for your budget.
3. Excess Moisture
Cockroaches are drawn to areas with excess moisture, such as underneath sinks and leaky faucets. They are most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, areas of the home where leaks are typically found.
They may also linger around laundry rooms or damp basements with leaky pipes, so be sure to check these areas of your home to ensure you’re not unknowingly attracting these pests.
Eliminate any standing water with a wet vac and run a dehumidifier in basements and attics to eliminate any moisture that could attract cockroaches.
4. Food Crumbs
Even food crumbs left on plates or dirty dishes in the sink can attract cockroaches–especially greasy or sweet foods. While cockroaches will find their way to food regardless of how clean you keep your home, regularly sweeping and vacuuming is imperative in preventing these pests from entering or sticking around your home.
5. Open Pet Food
Cockroaches are known to enjoy feasting on dog and cat food, so try to keep your pet’s food sealed to prevent these bugs from infesting your space. Purchasing a sealable, airtight container to store your pet’s food can help keep cockroaches from crawling into the food bin and eating their way through your fur baby’s kibble.
6. Open Access
Due to the sneaky nature of cockroaches, they can enter homes through even the most narrow of gaps and cracks. In fact, cockroaches only need a gap of about 1/16th of an inch to crawl through, making it extremely easy for them to enter a residence.
Caulk and seal any open gaps in your home. This can be done affordably using a “do it yourself” approach. Simply look for places where roaches may enter your home and use caulk to seal up any gaps and cracks.
7. Be Weary of Your Location
Cockroaches are typically more prevalent in urban areas and are commonly found in sewers, subway tunnels, and city streets. They can also make their way into city apartments through connecting walls of other apartments, making it easy for entire apartment buildings to become infested.
If you live in a densely populated area, take extra precautions, such as investing in Pest Czar’s Czar Guard. Our home protection plans protect against German and Oriental cockroaches, as well as 40 different species of bugs.
When Should You Call an Exterminator?
If you’ve spotted a cockroach in your home, you should reach out to a pest control company immediately, as roaches can quickly multiply and infest your home. Cockroaches are some of the most difficult household pests to get rid of, so you should always leave it to a professional to ensure the problem doesn’t return.
Pest Czar employs integrated pest management methods that are safe for you and your family and, most importantly, highly effective.
FAQs
What smell keeps cockroaches away?
Cockroaches dislike several scents, including bay leaves, cinnamon, garlic, coffee grounds, and citrus. Many people find that using these scents around their home helps to deter cockroaches and can be used in essential oil form as a safe alternative to harsher insecticides.
However, when DIY methods fail, it’s time to call a cockroach control expert.
Where do you find out where cockroaches are coming from?
One of the easiest ways to tell where cockroaches are coming from in your home is to turn on the lights in a dark room and see where the insects run. If this doesn’t work, you can also use a flashlight to look under places they might be hiding, such as behind furniture, under the refrigerator, and underneath sinks and in cabinets.
Where do roaches hide during the day?
During the daytime, cockroaches typically prefer to hide in dark, moist areas around the home. Cockroaches are most active at night when they leave their hiding spaces to forage for food or mate. Therefore, if you begin to see cockroaches during the day, it may be indicative of a larger infestation, as their hiding spots may be overcrowded.