Why Do I Have Cockroaches In My Home?

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Scientifically reviewed by Daniel Baldwin, BCE, CCFS, CP-FS

-Published on December 23, 2019

-Updated on August 30, 2024

In our service area, we have three cockroach species that cause the most trouble. They are the American cockroach, German cockroach, and Oriental cockroach. While there are some minor differences between them, they all get into homes for the same reason. Understanding these reasons can help you prevent cockroach infestations and reduce the risk of illness that comes with them.

3 cockroach attractants

Before cockroaches get into your home, they come into your yard and explore your foundation perimeter. The more inviting your perimeter is, the more cockroach activity you’ll have, and the more active cockroaches are around your home, the more likely they are to accidentally find a way inside.

1. Moisture: Most cockroach species are drawn to moisture. If you have damp soil near your home, you’re going to invite cockroaches to come close. Since most homes have landscaping that must be watered, this can be a hard attractant to control. A few suggestions that can help included the following:

Put spacing between plants to allow air to get in and dry topsoil after watering.
Keep gutters clear of clogs.
Fix damaged or leaking plumbing.
Trim tree branches and bushes to allow the sunlight to dry the soil quickly after watering your plants or after it rains.

2. Poor Sanitation: Cockroaches are drawn to bacteria and decaying organic matter. Clean your exterior trash receptacles routinely to reduce the smell that lures roaches to your home. Make sure trash is removed from your property routinely to prevent the smell of rot from growing and becoming noticeable to roaches.

3. Food Sources: There are many things that cockroaches eat. Reduce food to reduce cockroach activity by using the following tips:

Mix compost to reduce the smell of decay that attracts cockroaches.
Put trash in trash containers with sealed lids.
Pick up dog droppings in the yard.
Clean up after cookouts and outdoor parties.
Make sure you don’t have any boxes or cardboard in damp areas near your home.

cockroach exclusion tips

Along with reducing attractants, it is important to seal up tiny entry points in the exterior of your home. There are many ways cockroaches can get in; here are the most common:

Damaged screens and damaged window or door frames.
Holes created by wood-damaging pests.
Missing or damaged door sweeps.
Unprotected weep holes.
Unprotected dryer exhaust ducts.
Gaps around pipes or wire conduit.
Gaps in weatherstripping around doors.
Cracks in a foundation or damaged mortar around bricks.

why is it important to keep cockroaches out?

Cockroaches are linked to the transmission of human pathogens, the transportation of bacteria and parasitic worms, and the depositing of allergens in air ducts. Cockroach infestation and illness go hand-in-hand. Some of the many illnesses caused or aggravated by cockroach infestation are food poisoning, dysentery, gastroenteritis, listeriosis, cholera, leprosy, asthma, and typhoid fever. If you’re experiencing stomach illness or flu-like symptoms and you suspect that you have cockroaches in your home, there is likely to be a connection.

what to do when cockroaches get in

These insects live in wall voids, gaps, cracks, and other places that are hard to treat. We strongly recommend investing in professional service performed by a licensed pest control technician. A professional will administer EPA-approved products in limited amounts to targeted areas according to field-tested guidelines. This will ensure the best results with no risk to you, your family, or your pests.

If you live in the area and you need assistance with the control of cockroaches or any other household pests, we can help you resolve your pest control issue. Reach out to us to schedule a complete pest control service today.

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