If you’re dealing with an increasing number of cockroaches, then you might wonder why these insects are coming into your home. By understanding what attracts insects to your home, you can make changes to avoid having an infestation going forward. There are specific things that cockroaches are drawn to, so it’s best to eliminate every temptation that might be bringing them in. Here are some of the reasons why you may have cockroaches in your home.
1. Easy Access to Moisture
Insects require moisture, and if you have a home with water leaks, then cockroaches are more likely to infest your property. Make sure to repair leaky pipes, water heaters and plumbing fixtures inside your home to eliminate any damage or standing water. When you have moisture outside a home along the foundation or on the lawns, it can also attract insects, so you should make sure to fix sewer lines or other outdoor plumbing fixtures.
2. Dirty Kitchens
The kitchen is the most likely place in your home where cockroaches may lurk, and this tends to occur more often when the area is not kept clean. When you leave a pile of dirty dishes or consumed food on the countertops and in the sink, this will draw cockroaches to enter your home. In addition to keeping the sinks and countertops clean, you must make sure that there isn’t any food debris on the floors, behind the stove or inside the cabinets. If you have leftovers, be sure to pack everything in sealed containers and store it in the refrigerator.
3. Tiny Openings Give Access to Your Home
If your home has small cracks or gaps in the foundation or siding, these are prime opportunities where cockroaches can enter quickly. Here are some of the openings to look for in your home so you can repair the spaces:
• Pipes – cockroaches can enter through defective pipes
• Vents – make sure your home’s venting system is in good condition
• Gaps – look for crevices around windows and doors where the sealant may be worn down
• Cracks – find the cracks in a home’s foundation or siding
The good news is that you can repair all of these problems to prevent an infestation from cockroaches and other pests.
4. The Neighborhood is Infested
Cockroaches can enter your home from a neighbor’s property. While you may keep your home clean, if your surroundings are less than ideal, the insects may be in the area and you’re more at risk. When you share a common wall with a neighbor in a condominium or apartment building, it is easy for the cockroaches to enter your home through the venting system or plumbing holes. You may need to talk to an apartment manager or a condominium’s association representative about preventative measures if you notice an increase in cockroaches. If you believe you have neighbors who are hoarders or could potentially be a safety threat, you can contact the health or police department in your city for assistance.
5. Having a Cluttered Home
In addition to having a clean home, you should reduce the clutter inside and outside your home. Having piles of junk on the floor or closets that are stuffed with things will give cockroaches a place to hide and breed. Begin by sorting through your possessions and eliminated any old or unnecessary items from your home. You should also consider your yard and keep it as clutter-free as possible.
6. Damp Basements
A basement is often a place where cockroaches lurk because the spaces have damp floors, walls and ceilings due to leaks from the soil outside along with high levels of condensation. Repairing the basement’s leaks is vital to reduce the moisture that attracts the insects, but you can also use a portable dehumidifier to reduce the moisture in the air that will condense on surfaces. Luckily, many Las Vegas homes do not have basements where cockroaches can lurk.
7. Buying Used Furniture or Garments
If you enjoy bargain shopping at consignment stores or yard sales, then you risk bringing home insect invaders. A cockroach can infest any type of furniture, especially when it is upholstered. Garments can also contain adult cockroaches or eggs. While you may wash clothing or sanitize furniture, cockroaches are difficult to kill with water or heat, so you still run the risk of infesting your home if you’re not careful about the used items you bought. Be sure to check furniture and garments thoroughly for signs of insects or eggs before committing to a purchase.
8. Ignoring the Issue
Another reason you may experience an infestation of cockroaches is that you chose to ignore the warning signs. Before the issue becomes a major problem for you and your family, you will most likely notice clues that there are roaches in your home due to the reasons listed above. It’s so essential to act quickly when you think you have cockroaches in your residence to avoid an escalation of the problem. A female roach can lay hundreds of eggs, and you will have an infestation in just a matter of weeks or even days! Don’t ignore the issue and assume they will go away on their own. You should always take aggressive steps to eliminate the problem before it gets out of hand.
You can try to eliminate cockroaches on your own with store-bought pesticides or traps, but oftentimes these chemicals are ineffective, especially when the infestation has gone on for a long time or seems to keep reoccurring. Call professional exterminators who can eliminate insects and prevent future infestations quickly and effectively.