Mistakes Homeowners Make That Attract Roaches in the Fall

They’re smart, difficult to eradicate, and – as a species – will probably outlive us all. Yes, we’re referring to cockroaches. These prolific pests can produce hundreds of offspring during their lifetime, and they can live for nearly a year… a robust lifespan for an insect.

You might think that cold weather would reduce their numbers… but cockroaches are nature’s little problem solvers. They find ways to survive the winter, and you may be unwittingly helping them to do just that.

Are Roaches Common in Fall?

Roaches have a reputation for being adaptable and hardy, but they aren’t built to endure cold weather. They cannot thrive or reproduce in temperatures under 45 degrees Fahrenheit. So, when the mercury drops, outdoor roaches seek shelter. They mass migrate into indoor structures – seeking warmth, food, and water.

What Attracts Roaches?

Here are several common mistakes homeowners make in the fall that put out the welcome mat for roaches:

• Not sealing cracks. Cracks in your foundation or around pipes and wiring are superhighways into your home for a wide variety of autumnal pests, including cockroaches.
• Providing sources of food. Roaches have a knack for finding even the tiniest morsels of food. They are attracted by anything edible – open containers of food, crumbs, trash cans, even a slick of grease on your stove or counter. They often are attracted to things that humans wouldn’t consider food sources (like your cat’s litter box or a dirty diaper) but are roach delicacies.
• Providing water sources. Like all living things, roaches need water to survive. Even the cleanest house may have dripping pipes or faucets, attracting insects to your kitchen or bathroom. Any source of water can be a roach magnet – including pet dishes, fishbowls or terrariums, houseplants, or even your wet toothbrush head.

Should I Worry If I See One Cockroach?

An old saying goes, “If you see a single cockroach, there are at least 10 more you don’t see.” There may be some truth to this: one cockroach can indicate that there are more nearby. In fact, the reality may be far worse… with hundreds of roaches infesting your home.

Even if it hasn’t reached the point of a full-blown infestation yet, cockroaches multiply quickly and can cause health (and property) issues. The time to prevent a nuisance from turning into a full-on problem is before you see that first roach.

What Keeps Roaches Away?

To reduce your chances of attracting roaches, you need to remove their access to shelter, food, and water. Taking the following steps will reduce the likelihood of roaches entering your home this fall:

1. Clear your yard of leaves or debris that can harbor roaches, particularly anything that is close to your foundation. If you have a wood pile, move it away from your house.
2. Seal up any cracks that could provide an open door to roaches. Be especially mindful of gaps around water pipes.
3. Eliminate sources of sustenance by putting away food promptly and cleaning up crumbs or spills on all surfaces. Mop and vacuum regularly. If you have pets, don’t leave their food unattended, especially at night.
4. Reduce water sources by fixing leaky pipes, tubs, and sinks. Wipe your tub or shower after bathing and pick up pet dishes at night.
5. Contact a pest control professional to inspect your home for signs of a cockroach infestation. We can eliminate any roaches we find and create a pest control plan to prevent their return.

Eliminating Roach Threats for More Than 20 Years

Cockroaches in your home are embarrassing, unsanitary, and can cause health problems by spreading bacteria, exacerbating allergies, and aggravating asthma. With more than 20 years of pest control experience, Twin Forks Pest Control® experts can offer you a protection plan to keep your property cockroach-free all year round. Contact us today for a free estimate at (631) 287-9020 in Southampton; (631) 324-9020 in Easthampton, or (631) 298-0500 in Southold.