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What Causes Cockroaches in Apartments?

Cockroaches are a common pest found in apartments. If these pests are present, then there is likely a reason they have decided to move in. Identifying what is attracting cockroaches to your space will make it easier to eliminate an infestation. Check out a few things that can cause cockroaches to show up in your apartment. 

1. Food Sources in Your Apartment 

Cockroach eating crumbs

Cockroaches often enter apartments looking for something to eat. These pests aren’t picky when it comes to their food and will eat many things. Crumbs, spills, grease, and sticky residues can attract cockroaches. Your pet’s food can also become a snack for these pests. The contents of your trash bin and its odor can attract cockroaches too. Cockroaches will even eat things like cardboard, glue, and soap. 

2. Moisture in Your Apartment 

Cockroach near water in sink

Cockroaches need water and will live in areas with access to moisture. Leaky pipes and dripping faucets can cause cockroaches to stay in your apartment. Excess water on your counters and floors can be attractive too. Cockroaches may also use your pet’s water bowl as a source of moisture. These pests only need a small amount of water to survive, so moisture from wet mops or sponges could cause them to show up. 

3. Shelter & Warmth

Cockroaches in kitchen

Cockroaches like to settle down in dark and secluded areas in apartments. They also benefit from the warmth that your apartment can provide. These pests are able to squeeze into tight spaces such as small cracks in walls, ceilings, frames, and baseboards. Clutter can also provide them with shelter, especially if items are left on the floor. These pests will slip under appliances and furniture too. 

4. Your Neighbor is Dealing with Cockroaches 

Apartment hallway

Sometimes a cockroach problem won’t originate in your apartment. If a neighbor is dealing with cockroaches, it could lead to you seeing cockroaches in your space too. Cockroaches can easily slip into neighboring apartments, using shared walls, pipes, utility lines, or cracks to enter. Once they are inside your unit, they may choose to stick around if they can find food, moisture, and shelter.  

5. Cockroaches Were Carried Inside 

Shipping packages in front of door

Sometimes cockroaches and their eggs can be carried into apartments on different items. These pests are known to hitch a ride in bags, boxes, and baggage. They can also enter homes via cardboard boxes or shipping packages. It is possible that cockroaches or their eggs can be hiding in second-hand furniture as well. It is important to examine these items before bringing them into your space. 

Where Do Cockroaches Live in Apartments? 

Cockroach on cabinet

Cockroaches tend to gravitate to kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms because these spaces provide them with easy access to food and water. These pests can also be found in cabinets with food or plumbing. They will hide under furniture and appliances too. Cockroaches can slip into cracks and crevices as well as any gaps between the wall and cabinets. Cardboard boxes or items left on the floor can become a hiding spot for these pests too. 

How Do You Get Rid of Cockroaches in an Apartment? 

Roach Killer Gel Bait

If cockroaches have invaded your space, there are things you can do to get rid of them. Check out a few tips to help remove cockroaches from your apartment

  • Contact Your Property Manager: The first thing you’ll want to do is notify your property manager about the issue. They can assist you and let you know what your lease covers and your next steps.
  • Seal Entry Points: One of the best things you can do to prevent cockroach problems is to seal potential entry points. Check for and seal any cracks or holes in walls, the ceiling, and frames. Pay special attention to the area near doors and windows.
  • Remove Attractants: It’s important to identify and remove the attractant that caused cockroaches to enter your apartment. Remove crumbs, spills, and excess moisture. Take out the trash regularly, and keep your space clean and organized.
  • Spot-Treat Cockroaches: If you’re dealing with an occasional cockroach, then a plant-based insecticide spray is a great solution. Our Ant & Roach Killer kills cockroaches and provides residual repellency protection, helping to deter cockroaches from entering your apartment.
  • Use a Roach Killer Gel Bait: For cockroach infestations, you will want to use a bait like our Roach Killer Gel Bait. Cockroaches feed on the bait and return to the nest, allowing other cockroaches to be exposed to the bait. This will create a domino effect, helping to eliminate the infestation.

Cockroaches will be more than happy to move into your home if they can find the resources they need. Being able to identify their attractants and taking steps to remove them will help to keep your apartment free of cockroaches. If you’re dealing with cockroaches or other pests, we want to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products


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