Cockroaches are pesky insects that can be a major nuisance in our households, often coming out at night to scavenge for food and water. These nocturnal creatures can spread diseases and contribute to allergies, making it crucial to keep them away from our living spaces. In this article, we will discuss some useful strategies to deter these unwelcome guests and maintain a clean, cockroach-free home.
One vital aspect of keeping cockroaches at bay is proper sanitation. Make sure to clean up any food spills and crumbs and store food in tightly sealed containers or the refrigerator. It’s also important to dispose of your garbage regularly, using sealed containers and emptying them daily, preferably in the evening.
Another effective measure to keep these insects out of your home is to eliminate their hiding spots. Cockroaches love to reside in crevices, so sealing any gaps or cracks around your house can go a long way in preventing their entry. Be vigilant about checking the items you bring into your home, such as grocery bags or boxes, as they can be a way for cockroaches to hitch a ride inside.
Understanding Cockroach Behavior at Night
Cockroach Types and Activity Patterns
There are several types of cockroaches, but the two most common species found in homes are the German cockroach and the American cockroach.
- German cockroach: About 75% of its life is spent hiding in narrow cracks during the day.
- American cockroach: Usually hides in dark, moist areas during daytime hours.
Both species are nocturnal, meaning they are more active at night.
Seeking Food, Water, and Shelter
Cockroaches venture out in search of food, water, and shelter. They will eat all human foods, plus other items such as soap, toothpaste, and hair (source). They also seek out porous surfaces like wood, cardboard, and paper, which can absorb their odor and attract other cockroaches (source).
Why Roaches Are More Active at Night
Roaches prefer dark and secluded areas, making them more active during the night. At nighttime, they can avoid exposure, search for food and water more efficiently, and reproduce undisturbed. Avoiding light and remaining hidden is crucial for their survival.
Preventing Cockroach Infestations
Cleaning and Decluttering Tips
- Keep your home clean: Regularly clean and vacuum your home, paying special attention to the kitchen and dining areas where crumbs and food debris can accumulate.
- Declutter: Reduce clutter, especially around the kitchen, to eliminate potential hiding places for cockroaches. Remove cardboard boxes, bags, and unnecessary items.
Keep a clean home is essential to keep cockroaches away, as emphasized by Rutgers University researchers.
Proper Food Storage
- Sealed containers: Store all food items in tightly sealed containers or airtight bags.
- Clean cabinets and pantry: Regularly clean the inside of cabinets, drawers, and pantry areas to remove food debris.
- Keep counters clean: Wipe down kitchen counters daily.
Sealing Entry Points
- Inspect doors and windows: Ensure that doors and windows close properly and there are no gaps for pests to enter.
- Seal cracks: Examine walls and foundation for cracks and gaps; use appropriate sealants to close any entry points.
- Check pipes and sinks: Make sure there are no leaks or gaps around pipes and sinks that may provide water access for cockroaches.
| Cleaning Tip | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuuming regularly | Removes crumbs and debris, decreasing cockroach attraction | Requires time and effort |
| Sealing entry points | Helps keep pests out | May require professional assistance |
Practicing proper cleaning, food storage, and sealing entry points are all essential steps in preventing cockroach infestations and maintaining a pest-free home.
Using Repellents and Traps
Essential Oils and Natural Remedies
- Mint oil: A natural repellent that can be dabbed on cotton balls and placed in areas where cockroaches frequent.
- Diatomaceous earth: A powder that can be sprinkled around your home to deter roaches, as it causes them to dehydrate and die1.
- Borax and baking soda: Combine these two substances in equal parts, then add just enough water to make a thick paste. Spread the mixture in areas frequented by roaches.
Chemical Baits and Insecticides
- Gel bait: Effective against roaches, can be applied in cracks and crevices where they hide2. Roaches eat the bait and bring it back to their nests, eventually killing the whole colony.
- Boric acid: A powder that can be used as a barrier around your home. When roaches walk through the powder, it sticks to their bodies and gets ingested, killing them over time3.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Gel bait | Long-lasting effect | May not work for all species |
| Boric acid | Low toxicity to humans | Takes time to work |
Glue Traps and Mechanical Solutions
- Glue strips: Capture roaches by trapping them on a sticky surface4. Place these strips strategically in areas where roaches have been spotted.
- Sealing gaps: Locate and seal gaps and cracks in your home to prevent entry for roaches.
Further precautions:
- Store your food in airtight containers.
- Clean up spills promptly.
- Dispose of garbage regularly in sealed garbage cans.
With these methods and precautions, you can effectively keep cockroaches at bay and maintain a pest-free home.
Addressing Environmental Factors
Fixing Leaks and Plumbing Issues
Cockroaches thrive in damp environments, so fixing leaks and plumbing issues is vital. One common issue is leaky faucets in the bathroom. Promptly fixing these issues can significantly reduce cockroach infestations.
- Pros: Less moisture reduces cockroach attraction to the area.
- Cons: Fixing plumbing issues may be costly and time-consuming.
Reducing Dampness and Humidity
Eliminate damp areas in your home by:
- Keeping dishes clean and dry.
- Regularly sweeping and cleaning floors to remove damp leftovers.
- Using a dehumidifier in areas prone to dampness, such as the basement.
reduced dampness decreases the likelihood of attracting cockroaches and addressing asthma and allergies
Cockroach-Proofing Storage Areas
Follow these tips for cockroach-proofing storage areas:
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Use diatomaceous earth around storage areas to deter cockroaches.
Comparison of German and American Cockroaches:
| Feature | German Cockroaches | American Cockroaches |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred Hiding Spots | Kitchen counters and small spaces | Sewer systems and damp, dark areas in old buildings |
| Allergen Production | High-risk to humans with allergies and asthma | Lower risk compared to German cockroaches |
| Food Sources | Leftovers, bacteria | Various food sources, less dependent on human leftovers |
| Life Cycle | Faster breeding rate | Slower breeding rate compared to German cockroaches |
| Difficulty to Exterminate | Usually requires a pest control expert | Easier to manage with basic cleaning and DIY pest control |
In conclusion, addressing environmental factors like leaks, dampness, and storage areas can help to keep cockroaches away at night. Remember to maintain a clean and dry home to deter these uninvited guests.
Footnotes
46 Comments. Leave new
whatever kind of cockroach that is, it’s beautiful. the pattern looks almost like tortoise shell.
This appears to be a Harlequin Cockroach, Neostylopyga rhombifolia (Blattodea: Blattidae). They are native to southeast Asia but have become established in northern Australia, Mexico, Arizona, and they have been reported from Hawaii. They are a flightless, egg-laying cockroach. Regards. K http://www.gotroaches.com/blog/2006/05/25/harlequin-roach-neostylopyga-rhombifolia/
I found one in my car it’s huge. Yes it looks like Harlequin Coacha Roach. I’m also from Ewa Beach.
I was also wondering what kind of bug this was. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio and within the past 2 weeks, my garage has become infested with them. I thought we had some how gotten cockroaches, I never heard of the wood one’s before. Then, tonight, a HUGE one was on our wall and when I went to kill it, it took off flying……….scarey! We don’t have any firewood or wood around our house, but a few months ago, I bought about 10 bags of dog food……I was wondering if they could have been brought in with them.
That looks like an Oriental Cockroach, commonly called a Water Bug in the High Desert. They generally prefer living outdoors where they can find lots of water (hence the common name), but will often come indoors around the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room or garage. Having worked in the High Desert for Dewey Pest Control for the past few years, I have noticed that complaints about this pest have become extremely common, to the point where I would guess at least 70% of households in the Inland Empire have seen them around the house. Unfortunately, since they are so common it is extremely difficult to eradicate them from your property without a professional service coming out regularly. If you are interested in getting a service, call me at 760-617-1598 and I will be able to get you half price on our initial service.
Thank you for your input, and we are sure that at Dewey you know your pests, and we agree that it is a Cockroach. We found a photo of an unidentified Cockroach on BugGuide, and we are in agreement with BugGuide that this is an unfamiliar species and not the Oriental Cockroach,Blatta orientalis, commonly called a Water Bug.
Oh, and that offer is available to anyone living just about anywhere in the state of California.
Ah, well I guess I need to leave the identification to our technicians and stay in the office then!
the turistan cockroaches are now permiating norther california especial from redding to yubacity they are harder to get rid of than americans or orientals they seem to be more active at night but the males love to slip under doors when they see night some times its all i see outside now!@
Without natural predators, invasive species can quickly increase in numbers.
About 8 to 10 months ago, a large section of woods were cut down in our neighborhood for someone to build a new large home. Afterwars we started noticing very large roach looking bugs around and in our house. We were told they were Wood Beetles (they look like extra large roaches) and that they would not infest our home. We only saw a couple of them until just recently and now we have noticed tiny ones (they don’t look the same as the roaches we’ve seen in the past) in the bathroom and about once or twice a week a large one on the wall. How do we get rid of them?
We do not provide extermination advice.
Bengal Roach spray the gold top with roach birth control.
I found one in my apartment the other day too, I flipped out! My apartment manager called Terminex, and he said what you explained it is a wood roach and is happier outside, he just got lost.
No need to worry 🙂 Flatwoods, KY.
Wow, we are impressed that an exterminator would pass up a job that way. We have a generally suspicious opinion of exterminators which we believe might spray more often than needed.
I found one in my apartment the other day too, I flipped out! My apartment manager called Terminex, and he said what you explained it is a wood roach and is happier outside, he just got lost.
No need to worry 🙂 Flatwoods, KY.
ok I love bugs! I mean my nickname is school was bug because of all the random information I had about bugs! spiders are my favorite and I can do every type of bug EXCEPT roaches! I don’t do roaches and I just found this bug climbing up my wall, so thank god its a lost roach (still ew) and I don’t have to move! or burn my house down! it climbed out beside my AC before I caught it but not before I got a good look! so thank you for easing my worries!
ps also from ohio, just moved here. is this gonna be a common thing in ohio, first stink bugs now wood roaches!?
Wood Roaches are found in Ohio, but they rarely enter homes and they are benign, unlike the invasive, exotic Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs.
Thank you for this post. One of my students here at the international school in Ashgabat found the same kind of cockroach, and we were having trouble identifying it. It is now a pet in my classroom.
What a beauty!
I have found 4 of these roaches at my campet. Have never seen them since year. They like to come out when i have company.
I live in Arizona and have noticed these every night. I am not a fan of cockroaches and so I have been staying clear of these. How do I get rid of them? I don’t want to harm them plus my porch seems to have become the local insect hangout. I have currently noticed cicadas, praying mantis, walking sticks, lady bugs, damsel flies, and various kinds of moths. Is there a reason as to why all these insects have chosen my porch as their local hangout?
I would have freaked out screaming and hollering if there was one of those bugs around me and trying to fly away if I try to kill it. I don’t like bugs. Multiples of big cockroaches oming out of drains like the kitchen and bathroom sinks and the shower/tub drain, I’d frantically leave the house in tears.
Hi Maggie…Apparently, me and the wife have applied the same solution at our home. The idea is that the roaches are attracted to potato and naturally they come out to grab a bite. The boric acid contained in the potato diffuses their ability since it is poisonous and eventually the pests fall sick and die.
Hoping it works…fingers crossed!!
PS: Suggestion was from the mother in law 😀
Habits and Biology of Woods Cockroaches
These roaches are attracted to light which makes them different from other roaches. Females produce about 950 eggs a year, with one generation. Eggs hatch in the summer and mature the following spring. A life cycle can last two years. Adults are present May through early October. The roaches do not survive inside buildings. In wooded areas, these cockroaches can be seen in the headlights of automobiles at dusk. The males are attracted to lights. They are active during the winter and are often found in firewood. They live in moist woodland areas. They do not come inside unless carried inside with firewood or they may wander in on their own. These roaches are not startled and begin scampering when approached. These outside roaches do not reproduce inside like the German roach. They need consistent moist conditions in their environment such as under decaying logs, wood piles or loose bark. If they are inside, it is only a temporary condition. (Info found on do it yourself pest control website)
Habits and Biology of Woods Cockroaches
These roaches are attracted to light which makes them different from other roaches. Females produce about 950 eggs a year, with one generation. Eggs hatch in the summer and mature the following spring. A life cycle can last two years. Adults are present May through early October. The roaches do not survive inside buildings. In wooded areas, these cockroaches can be seen in the headlights of automobiles at dusk. The males are attracted to lights. They are active during the winter and are often found in firewood. They live in moist woodland areas. They do not come inside unless carried inside with firewood or they may wander in on their own. These roaches are not startled and begin scampering when approached. These outside roaches do not reproduce inside like the German roach. They need consistent moist conditions in their environment such as under decaying logs, wood piles or loose bark. If they are inside, it is only a temporary condition. (Info found on do it yourself pest control website)
Thanks for providing this valuable information.
Looks like some of the “toys” that make it into Halloween goodies. 😉 So yea, your daughter played a good one, but betting it was an adult who set her up for this one. Lol
Hi, our garden is invested with Oxyhaloa deusta RED HEAD ROACH, they now move closer to the house after the heavy rains. Do they pose a danger to our healt and how would we contain their numbers if need be without harming other insects and frogs
We do not provide extermination advice. We don’t believe you need to worry about your health, though if plentiful, the Red-Head Roach might be a nuisance.
the surinman cockroach. got a problem with what you have here. yes, the bug i am infested with here on big island looks exactly like your foto. and i have been researching to identify this pest. BUT, wikipedia when i search surinman cockroach says the female does not fly. Here’s by problem. PLEASE HELP. THE BUG LOOKS LIKE YOUR PICTURE. BUT IT CRAWLS INTO OUR HOUSE FROM ANY OPENING IT CAN FIND. MY HUSBAND HAS BEEN SPENDING WEEKS CAULKING UP ANY OPENINGS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE WALLS BECAUSE THAT’S WHERE THEY COME IN. THE WIKIPEDIA SAYS THEY ARE PLANT EATERS AND DO NOT FLY!. WE DO NOT HAVE PLANTS IN THE HOUSE, AND WE ARE IN A CLEARING IN THE FOREST. OF COURSE WE HAVE SOMETHING LIKE GRASS, BUT WE ARE ON LAVA ROCK. WE HAVE BEEN HERE IN THIS HOUSE FOR 4 YRS. AND JUST THIS WINTER HAVE HAD THE WORST INFESTATION EVER. THEY FLY IN, THEY CRAWL IN. WHEN THEY LANDED ON THE BED LINEN THAT’S WHEN I SAID CAULK THE WALLS. THEY SEEM TO FIND ANY OPENING AND I HAVE BEEN CALLING THEM SNUGGLE BUGS BECAUSE THEY LIKE TO CRAWL INTO THE BATHROOM RUGS. THEY SEEM TO BE NOCTURNAL, BUT OCCASIONALLY I FIND THE COMING ACROSS MY FLOOR IN THE DAY. WHAT CAN WE DO TO RID OURSELVES OF THIS PEST? I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFO YOU HAVE
Burn the whole place down bruhhh (jk obvs) call pest control
P.S. IT SEEMS TO LIKE THE LIGHT
I live in the city of Colonial Heights, Va, and have been seeing these wood roaches in my home for about a year now. Some of my neighbors have said the same. I have no woods around, just a couple trees in the yard and no wood in our house. I do have a bowl of water for our dog out on the back porch and inside all the time. I put out a roach box in every room but it isn’t doing the trick. They really are getting braver and more of them, at least one or two a day or more. Sometimes I find them dead in the floor on their backs. It is very embarrassing if we have company an they are crawling up the wall or across the floor. I will try the roach bully.
The cockroaches ATE the potato borax balls and died. Ants will eat it too. Or at least track it back to the others which kills them too. The potato’s ensure that they WILL consume it.
I am 55 years old. Have lived in Ohio for 45 of those years. I resided in the south for the remainder. Saw loads of roaches down there. I have NEVER seen a “wood roach” in my lifetime! Now I’m getting them in my house.
From reading these threads I’m gonna say there needs to be some more wisdom going around than to tell people, “These are outside bugs and they do not like it in the house”. They seem to “like it in my house” just fine. No wood pill, no nothing different than the last 55 years of my life EXCEPT these new bugs in my home. We need better answers than are out on these sites currently. Hope someone can come up with some better advise.
I am 55 years old. Have lived in Ohio for 45 of those years. I resided in the south for the remainder. Saw loads of roaches down there. I have NEVER seen a “wood roach” in my lifetime! Now I’m getting them in my house.
From reading these threads I’m gonna say there needs to be some more wisdom going around than to tell people, “These are outside bugs and they do not like it in the house”. They seem to “like it in my house” just fine. No wood pill, no nothing different than the last 55 years of my life EXCEPT these new bugs in my home. We need better answers than are out on these sites currently. Hope someone can come up with some better advise.
The best way to get rid of the is Bengal roach spray. They will invade a home to seek shelter from cold weather.
I live in ct where in the past two weeks I have found one a day in my house. What exactly do they eat? How do I get them out of my house? I am not a bug person and I just don’t know what to do. Please any advice will be greatly appreciated
According to BugGuide, they are “Omnivorous.” We do not provide extermination advice.
Looks a lot like some male blaberinae, it is hard to be a native species.
I think it can even be male Madagascar cockroach.
Thanks Cesar.
We will leave it unidentified for the moment.
I have lived in south central Ohio most of my life in the same county. When I moved about 25 years ago to where I live now I had never seen a wood roach. When I first moved here I thought I had somehow got cockroaches and was freaked out! My experiences with these bugs are that you see them occasionally sometimes more often than others and then their completely gone unlike a regular household cockroach. They also most generally fly or crawl straight into the lights of a lamp or TV again unlike the roaches most generally found in homes. I see them in my home in the early spring for a couples months.
I can’t help with ID, but look how cute! At least, as roaches go. The trim around the edges, the flattened thorax armor. If these make it into the pet insect trade, I imagine they would be rather popular.