Cockroaches have been around for millions of years, but nobody wants to live with roaches in the same house. However, cockroaches do survive in people’s homes and can be a health risk.
Specific things can encourage cockroaches to move into your house. Keep reading to know these things.
Poorly Maintained Landscaping
Cockroaches will thrive on a dirty and unkempt lawn. For instance, debris, piles of sticks and leaves, and tall grass are perfect hiding areas for cockroaches. The presence of water puddles also provides an ideal source of drinking water for cockroaches.
Food Crumbs
Open food containers and crumbs that fall on the floor can be a magnet for cockroaches. The food particles can hide in carpets and spaces between the furniture. While you may not easily detect the food, cockroaches will notice and find the tiniest food particles.
Other popular food sources for cockroaches include pet food bowls, stovetops, ovens, and toasters. Some food particles may even be present underneath and on the sides of kitchen appliances.
Cockroaches are omnivorous but can go for several months without eating anything. A cockroach will consume any item with nutrients. Cheese, meat, sugar, and starch are cockroaches’ favorite meals. The cockroach will also welcome rotten food.
Cockroaches typically find their food through smell. Therefore, you might attract cockroaches if you usually prepare foods with strong odors. Strong smells from compost and garbage can also attract roaches.
Humid Conditions
Cockroaches require a regular supply of water to survive. Hence, these small animals will most likely move to a place with humid conditions. That is why cockroaches in a home are often found in the laundry areas, bathrooms, and kitchens.
The attraction is probably due to water leakage from the plumbing and faucets in the bathrooms and kitchens. Cockroaches may also reside underneath the air conditioner system due to favorable condensation. Any appliances that handle large amounts of water in the home can also be a comfortable home for cockroaches.
Leaking pipes and faucets are popular sources of still water in your home. Wet sponges, towels, and pet water bowls can also provide water for cockroaches.
Edible Household Items
If cockroaches can’t find organic food, the pests will resort to household items. A cockroach can eat and digest paper items, solid soap, toothpaste, and leather. Wallpaper and certain paints can also be excellent food sources for cockroaches.
Cockroaches are even known to feed on nylon clothes. Cockroaches have a unique digestive system that can process non-food items. The digestive system contains various bacteria and protozoa to aid in digestion.
Warmth
Warm conditions can also pull cockroaches into your home. Several cockroach species don’t like low temperatures and will be on the lookout for places with warmth. As a consequence, cockroaches will prefer indoor warmth during the cold months.
The closets and attics in your home don’t benefit much from ventilation. These places are usually warm and prime locations for cockroaches. Another particularly warm place for cockroaches is the kitchen.
Gaps and Cracks
A cockroach will prefer a tight and dark area. You will notice that cockroaches in your house often take refuge inside cabinets and appliances. The roaches can also hide in the spaces between pipes and appliances.
The presence of cracks and gaps in the wall provides a gateway for cockroaches into your home. Cockroaches can pass through spaces that are smaller than cockroaches’ size.
Cockroaches present a health risk for people living in your house. The pests can also cause food wastage and even destroy some items in the house. If you suspect a cockroach infestation, hire the services of Quality Pest Control. We provide effective pest control measures to get rid of all pets in your home. Contact us to get started.