What Attracts Cockroaches to Homes
Cockroaches require food, water, and shelter to survive. If your home offers all three, these vile pests could show up.
1. Food
Cockroaches eat just about anything they can find. Crumbs under the toaster, grease behind the stove, pet food on the floor, dirty dishes in the sink, and accessible trash give them plenty to eat.
2. Water
Like all living things, roaches need water to survive. Leaky faucets, dripping pipes, and damp basements can attract them fast, especially in dry weather.
3. Shelter
Cockroaches like dark, warm spaces where they won’t be disturbed. Wall voids, under appliances, cabinets, and even inside electronics make perfect hiding spots.
4. Easy Access
Gaps under doors, cracks in walls, torn window screens, and openings around utility lines all offer cockroaches an easy way in.
Common Types of Cockroaches in Homes
Not all cockroaches behave the same way. Knowing which type has moved in can help with proper identification and treatment.
German Cockroach
German cockroaches are the most common indoor species with light brown bodies and two dark stripes behind their heads. They grow to about ½ inches long. They don’t fly, but they’re fast. You’ll usually find them near kitchens and bathrooms, close to moisture and food.
American Cockroach
One of the largest, house-infesting roaches, the American cockroach can grow up to two inches long. They’re reddish-brown with a yellowish band just behind the head. Unlike the German roach, this one can fly. They're typically found in basements, crawl spaces, or around drains and pipes.
Oriental Cockroach
These shiny black roaches are more common outdoors but will enter homes, especially in search of cooler, damp environments. Females are wingless, and males have wings but don’t fly. You will likely see them around garbage cans outside.
How to Prevent Cockroaches From Entering Your Home
The best way to avoid a cockroach infestation is to make your home as uninviting to them as possible. Here are a few tips:
1. Eliminate Food Sources
- Clean up crumbs and spills right away
- Store food in sealed containers
- Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink
- Disinfect counters after every meal
- Don’t leave pet food out overnight
- Take out the trash regularly
2. Reduce Moisture and Humidity
- Fix leaky plumbing and dripping faucets
- Use a dehumidifier in basements or crawl spaces
- Don’t let water stand in sinks or buckets
3. Seal Entry Points
- Install door sweeps and weatherstripping
- Repair damaged window screens
- Seal cracks and gaps around the foundation, windows, and doors
4. Declutter and Deep Clean
- Clear out piles of paper, cardboard, and clutter
- Move appliances and furniture to clean underneath
- Vacuum regularly, especially in corners and behind heavy furniture
5. Schedule Routine Pest Control
Roaches can still sneak in even if you’re doing everything right, keeping things clean, sealing cracks, and staying on top of the clutter. Regular visits from a trusted pest control pro can give you peace of mind and help stop a small problem from becoming bigger.
Need Help Exterminating Roaches?
The Pied Piper offers home pest control services, including inspections, treatments, and ongoing prevention for homeowners across Oklahoma and Texas, including Eufaula, Tulsa, Azle, and Dallas.
Contact the nearest branch to schedule your service and protect your home from unwanted pests.
