Author: Kurt Treftz, Cascade Pest Control
The infamous cockroach is the bane of homeowners everywhere. These insidious critters seem nigh indestructible. But knowing where they are hiding in our homes and why can help us control roaches.
While warmer climates often fight a harder battle with cockroaches, the Seattle area is not immune. Our local roaches include the American, German, Oriental, and Brown-banded cockroaches. Unfortunately, once they make their way in, you can find them throughout your home.
Common areas where roaches hide are kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, storage areas, basements, and attics.
Cockroaches hide in kitchens:
Since cockroaches are often looking for food and water, they will find the kitchen most attractive. Cockroaches find dark spaces in your kitchen cupboards and cabinets to make their home. Warm appliances can be a haven for these pests. They will come out at night to feed on crumbs and leftover food. Clean dishes in the sink and run dishwashers promptly. Seal containers in your pantry. Sweep and clean floors regularly. Wipe down appliances. Take out the trash frequently. Launder kitchen linens.
Roach can hide in:
- Grocery bags
- Food containers
- Pantries
- Cabinets/cupboards
- Trash cans
- Appliances (refrigerator, toaster, microwaves, coffee markers)
- Sponges / damp clothes
Roaches hide in bathrooms & laundry rooms:
Bathrooms and laundry rooms can attract these pests with moist environments where they can thrive. Make sure to clean bathrooms regularly, especially along baseboards and hidden corners. Run the exhaust fan to reduce humidity.
Roaches can hide in:
- Pipes, sinks, toilets
- Cracked bathroom tiles
- Cabinets
- Appliances (washer, dryer, vacuum)
- Ducts
- Floor drains
Cockroaches hide in storage areas:
Roaches don’t like to be disturbed so they might find the perfect nest in your storage areas that aren’t accessed frequently. Since they are nocturnal, they might only come out at night and you will not know they are there until it is too late.
Cockroaches hide in:
- Cardboard boxes
- Dark corners
- Back of furniture
- Cracks and crevices
Roaches hide in living rooms:
While you blithely “Netflix and chill”, cockroaches could be hiding nearby. While kitchens and bathrooms might be a bit more appealing, there is plenty in your living room for roaches to love. Make sure that you dust and vacuum regularly, especially if you are prone to snacking while you relax.
Cockroaches hide in:
- Furniture
- Cracks in baseboards
- Electronics
- Wall decor
Cockroaches hide in basements:
Basements offer a lot to the average cockroach: moist, cool, and dark. And if your basement has more storage area than a living area, it is even more appealing. Cockroaches love to hang out in your lowest level. While they might not have the food source of a kitchen, the basement is home to insects and other cockroaches that provide food.
Cockroaches hide in:
- Dark corners
- Cabinets or cupboards
- Furniture
- Cardboard boxes
Roaches hide outside:
Before they even come inside, cockroaches are likely making your yard their home. Again, they are looking for food and water and are likely to find it. They are attracted to plumbing leaks, garbage, and rotting organic material. Make sure to clean up your lawn, remove piles, fix leaks, and dispose of trash properly.
Cockroaches hide in:
- Bushes
- Trash cans & dumpsters
- Leaf piles
- Mulch
- Storage sheds
Stop them before they become a problem. Take the steps to discourage roaches or call in the roach control experts at Cascade Pest Control: 888-989-8979