Cockroaches pose one of the biggest pest infestation problems to homeowners. They are tough, persistent, and social creatures that can quickly overrun any home. In fact, according to U.S. Census data, 14 million housing units residents saw cockroaches in their homes within the last year. This makes them one of the most popular pests, which indicates bad news for homeowners and residents given their stealth and perseverance.
But how and why do cockroaches get into a home? If you aren’t taking care of the upkeep and structure for your home or apartment unit, it’s much easier than you would imagine for cockroaches to get into your home. The team at Urban Desert Pest Control wants you and your family to be safe, especially with the spring season and its increased pest activity around the corner. So, we explore how cockroaches can get into your home and what you can do to stop them in this article.
Why Do Cockroaches Enter a Home?
A big secret (that’s not so secret) to pest control is that virtually every pest enters a home for three things: food, water, and shelter. Cockroaches are no different. If it’s easy to enter a home and a cockroach smells food, senses moisture, or sees shelter, they will want to invade. Unfortunately, once they are in, cockroaches are great at hiding. They’ll shelter in narrow cracks, behind the refrigerator, in drawers, under sinks, and more. They’re small and can move about fairly easily.
Cockroaches Entering Your Home
People often get offended when they have a pest infestation because they immediately think that their house is too clean for pests to get in. While this may be true, don’t underestimate pests. They can sense the slightest hint of food or moisture, and then they can enter through the smallest of cracks or crevices.
Exterior walls and cracks in the foundation. The biggest entry point for cockroaches is holes, cracks, and crevices around the perimeter of your home. Something that’s not even too noticeable to you can essentially be a neon entry light for cockroaches and other pests.
Cardboard and newspaper. Attracted to the clutter and pheromones that come with paper, cockroaches can enter through cardboard, newspapers, magazines, and more. This doesn’t mean that your daily newspaper is carrying cockroaches, but storing paper materials, especially in a moist room, can be a sufficient breeding ground and hiding spot for cockroaches.
Under doors. The lights and smells that escape a home can be an invitation for cockroaches and pests to enter under an exterior door. The space can sometimes be large enough for them to shimmer their way in.
Hitching a ride on clothing. Cockroaches, similar to bed bugs, can also enter a home on clothing or baggage. Most of the time it is their eggs that hitch the ride, and then later sprout to infest your home.
Through drains. Cockroaches are significantly attracted to moisture, so the bathroom typically is a favorite spot to be. They often crawl through drains and pipes, which is particularly a problem in an apartment complex.
Prevention Tips for Cockroaches
Proactive care with pest control is always the best step in solid pest prevention, especially with cockroaches. Cutting down on excessive moisture within your home and getting rid of leftover food or crumbs play a strong first step in deterring pests from entering.
On top of that, you can do several more items on your own. These include sealing gaps around your home with a caulk gun, laying bait traps in high-activity areas, repairing plumbing leaks, and more.
Want Guaranteed Cockroach Prevention? Hire Urban Desert Pest Control
While you can, and should, do things on your own for cockroach prevention, the best measure you can take is hiring professional pest control. And fear not, because Urban Desert Pest Control is ready and eager to tackle the toughest of pest problems. We even offer regularly-occurring spraying and treatment to keep any pest at bay.
Learn More from Urban Desert Pest Control
Urban Desert Pest Control was founded on the values of offering affordable pricing for pest control and superior customer service. Since 2015, our team has grown to over 20 trained and experienced employees to properly serve the Phoenix, Arizona area.
Contact us for a free inspection and browse our blog to learn more about pest control, our effective chemical treatments, and more.
