What Causes a Cockroach Infestation?
Cockroaches are one pest no one wants to deal with. They have the ability to spread bacteria, are a nuisance to get rid of, and just give off a creepy tone when you see one. If you are trying to avoid a roach infestation, it’s important to know how these pests enter your home in the first place. Read more on the 5 most apparent reasons why cockroaches are attracted to your home.
What Causes Cockroaches?
If you’re dealing with a cockroach infestation or worry for one, there are some key aspects to keep in mind; like any pest, cockroaches are attracted to a food and water source, a place to hide, and comfort. The most common ways cockroaches can infest your home include:
- Poor Sanitation
- Moisture
- Cracks and Gaps
- Clutter
- External Factors
Poor Sanitation
While cockroaches can still infest a perfectly clean home, they are generally more attracted to areas with poor sanitation. Cockroaches are attracted to food scraps, spills, and other sources of organic matter, so if you leave food out or don't clean up properly, you may be providing a food source for cockroaches. These pests will scavenge for almost anything, including garbage and organic matter such as dead insects and decaying plant material, so everything is on the table for a cockroach dinner.
Furthermore, cockroaches are highly adaptive and have evolved to survive in difficult conditions, making them highly resilient to a range of environmental factors, including poor sanitation. They can survive for weeks without food and up to a week without water, which means they can withstand long periods in areas where sanitation is poor.
Moisture
Cockroaches need water to survive, so if there are leaky pipes, standing water, or other sources of moisture in your home, this could attract them. With these insects being cold blooded, they can last long without any sustenance. Cockroaches don’t need a steady food source as we’ve learned, but water is needed, so this is why they tend to be found near kitchens and bathrooms where there is a constant supply of water. Make sure your home is properly ventilated to avoid any moisture building up—another easy supply of water for these pests.
Cracks and Gaps
Cockroaches can enter your home through small cracks and gaps in walls, floors, and foundations, so if there are openings that haven't been sealed, this could provide an entry point. With their slim bodies and ability to fit in openings the size of 3 millimeters, there is almost no gap or crevice they can’t fit through. To ensure cockroaches don’t enter any gap or crack, make sure to fill any openings with caulk. Be sure to pull out appliances and see if there are any gaps to fill as cockroaches are attracted to areas behind stoves and refrigerators.
Clutter
Cockroaches are known to hide in clutter, so if your home is cluttered or messy, this could provide them with places to hide and breed. If you have clothes, books, photos, or trash around your home, these are perfect areas where cockroaches can hatch their eggs. It can take up to 56 days for an egg to hatch, and when it has, you can expect anywhere from 16 to 50 roaches per egg. With a cluttered home, this increases your chances of not finding an infestation until it is too late.
External Factors
Cockroaches can be brought into your home from the outside on items like groceries, boxes, or luggage. They can also enter through open windows or doors. Additionally, if you live in a multi-unit building, cockroaches may be able to move freely between units, making it harder to control an infestation. Once they find a way inside, the most common places you can expect to find an infestation include under sinks, on top of cabinets, behind appliances, in crevices on walls, and behind electronic devices.
Dealing With a Cockroach Infestation? Call The Experts!
Cockroaches are known to be one of the most difficult pests to eliminate. With the many areas they hide, the ability to breed quickly, and the constant resistance to any DIY products, they seem to stick around through any treatment you try. D-Bug Pest Control offers pest control services in Western Pennsylvania and has the tools and expertise to eliminate any cockroach infestation. With our 80+ years of experience, our local experts are ready to take on the challenge.