If you’re wondering what attracts cockroaches, rest assured that you’re not alone. Cockroaches are common pests in homes, particularly during the warmer months. In fact, you can find them in over 14 million houses across the country.
Cockroaches are notoriously difficult to exterminate, which only adds to the frustration of learning what attracts cockroaches. Many homeowners will have to call in professional pest control services multiple times before they achieve complete removal.
The good news is that there are several ways you can help prevent a cockroach infestation at your home. But first, let’s take a closer look at what attracts cockroaches to invade our spaces to see just how big of a problem this really is. Keep reading to learn more about cockroaches and the dangers they pose.
Cockroaches Love Moisture and Warmth
If you have these things in your home, cockroaches will find you.
Cockroaches are attracted to the moisture in sewers or septic tanks, which is why they may be present near drainage pipes or sewer drains inside your home. They can also find their way into basements or crawlspaces through cracks in foundation walls and other openings that lead outside.
Cover gaps around your pipes with steel mesh to help keep these pests out of damp areas. Also, ensure the area under the sink doesn’t have standing water (which can become breeding grounds for more roaches).
Cockroaches in NC Are Always Looking for Food
German roaches love leftovers, especially those that contain high levels of fat. It’s essential to clean up after meals as soon as possible, as this is what attracts cockroaches to your house. Any leftovers should be refrigerated if they’re not eaten immediately.
If this fails (which it probably will), try adding peppermint extract mixed with dish soap into a spray bottle and spraying it over corners where roaches might hide frequently. The scent may not be pleasant to you, but roaches hate it. It won’t get rid of the pests, but it will hopefully deter them from certain areas of your home.
They’re in the Cracks, Crevices, and Wall Voids
Cockroaches like to hide in small, dark places. They can squeeze into the smallest cracks and crevices, often found in kitchen and bathroom cabinets. If you find any cracks, fill them right away with caulk as these cracks and crevices are what attracts cockroaches.
Cracks in the walls are a little trickier because they’re not as easy to spot or access. Contact an exterminator for help if this is the case.
You’ll See Cockroaches in the Home at Night
After dark, cockroaches are most active. They are nocturnal and will hide from daylight, but when night falls, their natural instincts kick in, and they come out to feed on food scraps and other materials that might be available in your home.
When you spot a cockroach scurrying across the floor during daylight hours, it is more likely an accidental sighting rather than an infestation of roaches.
Still, cockroaches are aggressive breeders. So spotting one or two is a bad sign, and you should take steps to control the problem.
At-Home Cockroach Removal
Cockroaches are a serious health hazard and can carry diseases like salmonella. Protect your family by taking action to remove them from your home as soon as possible, and by learning what attracts cockroaches to your home.
- Remove clutter and excess moisture
- Clean often, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms
- Repair leaks around plumbing or appliances
- Make sure windows have screens in good condition
- Clean up spills and wash dirty dishes as soon as possible
You can try to eradicate the pests yourself by learning what attracts cockroaches, but there’s no promise you’ll succeed. If you have an infestation already, it’s time for an extermination plan!
When to Call a Cockroach Pest Control Service
If you see a cockroach, there are likely many more hidden away. Female German roaches lay up to 40 eggs, and they reproduce quickly. A small infestation can turn into a big one in just a few months.
If you see more than one, contact a pest control service right away for help.
An Effective Treatment Program for Your Home
You can’t just hire any old pest control specialist to get rid of cockroaches. You must work with a licensed professional who can identify the best treatment program for your home.
The first step is looking at their reviews and seeing how long they’ve been in business. You want the job done right the first time, so you don’t want to skimp on quality.
Don’t Ignore These Pests
You’re probably thinking, “I can handle this.” But in reality, you may not be able to.
Eliminating one cockroach will not always stop the problem from recurring. You might not even realize you have a problem until it’s too late and the cockroaches run rampant in your basement, kitchen, or bathroom. It’s a good idea to take action at home, but don’t hesitate to call in a professional if you’re unsure about the extent of your issue.
Knowing What Attracts Cockroaches Isn’t Enough
While these steps/tips will help reduce the likelihood of a cockroach, there is no guaranteed way to eliminate all risks. You may be able to get by with your DIY skills when it comes to killing ants or spiders, but you need to know what attracts cockroaches to keep them away for good.
We discussed a few strategies to combat a roach problem, and what attracts cockroaches, but your situation may require more in-depth solutions. We have years of experience dealing with roaches, rats, termites, and other pests at Pest Management Systems. If you think your home has been invaded, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.
