Anytime cockroaches invade your space, it’s important to understand why they are there. Several things could make your home appealing to these pests. If you can identify what’s attracting cockroaches, you can take steps to get rid of them. Check out a few things that can attract cockroaches to your home.
Food
Like other pests, cockroaches can’t resist a good food source. Odors and food particles can quickly lead these pests to your home. Cockroaches will eat a variety of things including sweets, starches, meats, and greasy food. They will snack on crumbs, spills, trash, and food left on dirty dishes. Open food containers in your pantry can attract these pests. Cockroaches will also eat your pet’s food. Non-food items, like cardboard and soap, can be food for cockroaches too.
Water
Cockroaches will sneak into homes looking for water. Once they make their way inside, they often head to damp areas including bathrooms and basements. They are attracted to leaky pipes and dripping faucets. Clogged drains and standing water can cause cockroaches to move into your house. These pests are also attracted to wet towels left on the floor and wet bath mats. Your furry family member’s water bowl can also be a source of moisture for cockroaches.
Shelter
These creepy crawlies may enter your home in search of shelter. Your home provides warmth and hiding spots for cockroaches. These pests often hide in and under furniture as well as behind and under appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and microwaves. Cockroaches are also attracted to cardboard boxes, items left on the floor, and overstuffed shelves. They like to slip into wall voids and cracks or crevices in walls, ceilings, and trims too.
A Welcoming Yard
Your outdoor space could also attract cockroaches. If they are lured to your yard, it’s likely they will try to sneak into your home. Cockroaches are attracted to leaky spigots and water found in flower pots, birdbaths, and clogged gutters. They like to hide in piles of leaves, sticks, and other yard debris. Tall grass, overgrown vegetation, and mulch can also provide cockroaches with shelter. Compost piles and outdoor trash bins can attract hungry cockroaches too.
Easy Entry Points
Cockroaches have to find a way inside to access the food, water, or shelter attracting them. If they can’t find an easy entry point, they will move on to a new place. Cracks, gaps, and holes can help cockroaches enter your home. They can also sneak inside through tears in door and window screens. Sometimes cockroaches will hitch a ride inside in packages, in bags, and on woodpiles. Check your items before bringing them in and seal entry points to avoid letting these pests into your home.
If cockroaches have access to food, water, and shelter, it can be difficult to get them to leave. Identifying and removing potential attractants can help to prevent cockroach problems. If cockroaches or other pests are bugging you, we’re here to help! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.