What Causes Cockroaches

Cockroaches are attracted to a wide variety of environmental factors, which is why they are such a common pest to find in homes, businesses, and many places in the environment. These resilient pests can fit through the tiniest holes and will eat almost anything. Plus, they’re hardy enough that they can go for long periods of time without food or water, so they can continue infesting a chosen location even if it no longer has a source of nourishment. Unfortunately, roaches can also be dangerous, and it’s important to exercise preventative measures and act quickly at the first signs of a cockroach infestation. 

Here’s what you need to know about what causes cockroaches and how to prevent cockroaches.

Spotting a few roaches here and there isn’t always cause for major concern, but if you’re encountering full-blown cockroach infestations, it may be time to consider making some changes. Unfortunately, roaches are incredibly resilient and are attracted to many different environments. Cockroaches will show up just about anywhere that has food or moisture, though when they aren’t feeding, they prefer to stay hidden in dark, moist, hard-to-reach places. Depending on the cockroach species you have, including American cockroaches, German cockroaches, or oriental cockroaches, you may observe different behaviors. However, in general, cockroaches are attracted to:

• Sewers
• Drains
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen sinks
• Outdoor mulch, leaf, and firewood piles
• Alleyways
• Basements and crawl spaces with excess moisture
• Attics
• Standing water
• Trash can

While some cockroaches are attracted to warm areas, other cockroaches thrive in cool locations. But because of their resistance to harsh conditions, most species of cockroaches can be found in many different places regardless of temperature. As long as they have access to organic matter and a water source, a roach infestation will survive and thrive, creating health risks along the way. Cockroaches can also thrive in humid conditions. That’s why taking proactive steps to prevent cockroaches or a larger pest problem is so important.

One of a cockroach’s favorite places to infest is the kitchen and pantry, much to the dismay of many homeowners and cooks. Because they’re so small and can move practically anywhere they want, it’s easy not to see them until they start investigating food sources, dirty dishes, and prep stations. They make dark, out-of-the-way corners and spaces behind work surfaces and equipment into hiding places and then come out at night or whenever they won’t be disturbed to find leftover food, causing food poisoning and other health concerns.

Cockroaches will also eat almost anything they have access to, from the contents of your pantry to the contents of your trash can. They will consume:

• Fermenting or rotting foods and other organic matter
• Meats and fats
• Starches
• Sugars
• Pet food and water bowls
• Soap
• Glue
• Toothpaste
• Fecal matter
  

If you want to prevent roaches, the best thing you can do is wipe up food residue and do your best to keep a clean home. It’s also helpful to seal any unused food in airtight containers. Roaches are opportunistic, omnivorous pests and if you don’t carefully regulate your environment, they will find a meal wherever they can.