Have you ever seen a cockroach scurry across the kitchen floor and wondered what else they’ve done while you weren’t looking? Unfortunately, while house occupants rarely see roaches during the day, it’s easy to imagine them darting across kitchen countertops, walking across plates in your cupboards, or climbing over food left out. The simple truth is that no one wants cockroaches in their kitchen, but it does happen. Let’s explore why cockroaches are in your kitchen and what you can do about it.
What Lures Cockroaches Into Kitchens?
Like most pests that infest homes, roaches will likely migrate in search of food and water. Because the heart of the home (kitchens) is the primary source for these two necessities, these vile creatures are frequently found infesting those spaces. Of course, kitchens are relatively easy to get to. An open garage door, a door without weather stripping, and cracks, gaps, and openings on the house’s exterior provide cockroaches with ample opportunity to enter.
Cockroaches can also enter kitchens by crawling up drains and riding on shopping bags, cardboard boxes, and other items from elsewhere. To summarize, cockroaches will appear if they have the means (access to your kitchen/home) and the motive (food and water).
Cockroach Hiding Places In The Kitchen
Common roach hiding places in a kitchen include, but are not limited to:
- Cabinets in the kitchen.
- Pantries.
- Below the kitchen sink.
- Under the refrigerator and other appliances.
- Wall voids on the inside.
- In pipes and drains.
Cockroach Infestation Symptoms
A cockroach infestation can be detected by looking for a few specific symptoms. The following are things to keep an eye out for:
- If you see one cockroach, there are likely more in the area.
- Roach droppings or roach feces can resemble coffee grounds or ground pepper, depending on the species, and can be found anywhere roaches are present, including cabinets and pantries.
- Roach egg cases are oblong and brown. These could indicate a roach infestation. Even more alarming, egg cases, nymphs, and adult roaches in your home indicate that the pests are reproducing. They often get stuck on surfaces like cabinet doors or furniture.
How To Keep Cockroaches Away From Your Kitchen
To keep roaches out of your kitchen, you must implement and maintain excellent sanitation practices, repair leaky pipes, and seal openings from the foundation to the roof.
Make sure that you clean your kitchen thoroughly at least once per week. Use bleach-based disinfectants to kill bacteria or pathogens on surfaces and in cracks and crevices.
Don’t leave food out overnight or for an extended period; if you do, ensure it’s sealed away from pests by storing it in airtight containers or ziplock bags. Also, call a pest control company if you see a live roach or have reason to believe these pests are in your kitchen or home.
What’s Next?
At Facility Pest Control, we can assess your kitchen and identify the source of any problem areas. We’ll work with you to develop a pest management plan that helps you keep cockroaches and other pests out of your home. Our highly trained experts can bring you and your family peace of mind. Call us now!
