Why do I have roaches in my clean house?

Typically, cockroaches are associated with an unsanitary, dirty environment. However, the truth is that these pesky insects can breed even in clean houses. So, if you’re wondering, why do I have roaches in my clean house? we have the answer for you. 

Here, we list the most common reasons for a cockroach infestation, and how to get rid of them long-term. 

The fact is, no homeowner wants to see cockroaches in their house – especially in the kitchen where they might contaminate the food and cause serious diseases. In spite of diligently cleaning the kitchen and other parts of the house, if you’re unable to prevent these pests from entering, there could be a few possible reasons.

Also, cockroaches love hot and humid temperatures. That’s why, southern parts of the United States such as Alabama, Georgia, and Florida will be more likely to experience cockroach infestation.

If you pride yourself on keeping your house spic and span but are still wondering, why do I have roaches in my clean house? let’s solve this mystery for you. 

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Cockroaches breed in damp places and leaky pipes

Like any other living organism, cockroaches need stable water and food source for survival. If there are any leaking pipes or damp areas inside the house, it could be a great breeding ground for roaches. Even the standing water in your pet’s water bowl or the condensation from home appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners can be responsible for inviting roaches into your home.

Also, you need to check your basements, bathrooms, and kitchen sinks for any pest infestation. Do a thorough home inspection to check for any water damage or leaky pipes.

Cockroaches love grimy surfaces 

Even if you’re mopping the floor regularly, you may end up missing a few spots every now and then. Most grime build-up is in hard-to-reach corners, crevices, and spaces.

You need to thoroughly clean the area behind the refrigerator, stove, oven, and other home appliances. Remember to wipe off any spills and splatters quickly.

Cockroaches hide in unused boxes and cluttered spaces

If you have old soggy boxes and magazines piled up in the basement or attic, get rid of them. These can provide any insect with food, water, and shelter. Keep in mind that cockroaches can thrive on trash, cardboard, dead insects, and old leather items.

Decluttering and cleaning the attic or basement every once in a while will help you get rid of all kinds of house pests. 

Roaches survive on leftover food crumbs 

Cockroaches are drawn to food. Especially one that’s high in sugar, starch, or protein. They feed on the crumbs of food on the countertop or dining table, open cans of food in the pantry, and leftovers in the sink as well as the trash can.

As a preventive measure, always clean up the food crumbs, store all food items in airtight containers in the pantry, and make sure all leftovers are packed properly and kept inside the refrigerator. It’s a good practice to clean the dirty dishes immediately so that there aren’t any in the sink for attracting cockroaches.

Cockroaches live in overgrown gardens

If you’re looking at serious roach control and prevention, keep the outdoors as clean as the inside of your home. Make sure your garden and yard are well-maintained. Messy grass and gardens are the perfect hiding place for these insects. Furthermore, ensure there’s no stagnant water in the birdbaths and rain gutters. Avoid keeping compost, mulch, and woodpile in your yard.

Preventive measures to get rid of cockroaches in the house

Here are some easy ways to solve this cockroach problem. Keep in mind that while a can of store-bought insecticide will aid in exterminating the pests, it’s a temporary solution. Moreover, most of them will have harsh chemicals that can be extremely harmful to both the family and the environment. 

Here are a few methods to get rid of cockroaches naturally and keep your family members safe:

• Make cleaning home a regular part of your home maintenance.
• Mop floors with a disinfectant and try not to leave any crevices or corners.
• Wash dirty dishes immediately after every meal.
• Sweep away the food crumbs from the floor and countertops.
• Wipe off spills and splatters.
• Clean the grease off the stovetop.
• Store the food in airtight containers.
• Take out the trash before it piles up.
• Make sure there are no gaps or cracks in the windows and doors. Seal them with caulk.
• Fix leaky pipes and drains.
• Keep your rain gutters clean. 
• Keep your yard clean and well-maintained.

Read more: Why is my house so humid?

How to make homemade cockroach bait?

An effective home remedy for cockroaches is using boric acid. You can sprinkle some of it in cockroach-infested areas or mix it with food bait such as sugar-and-flour dough. The good thing is that while boric acid is toxic for pests, it’s quite safe for humans and pets. However, if the roach problem is very serious, you may want to call a pest control service for a more permanent solution. 

Last thoughts

Do you love your home and do everything in your power to keep it clean but still ask yourself often, why do I have roaches in my clean house? Well, contrary to popular belief, having a dirty home is not necessary for a roach infestation. These pesky creatures make their way into the cleanest of homes. 

In fact, unlike German cockroaches, American cockroaches seem to do well in any kind of living conditions. They may enter your home through a gap in a window seal or the front door left open for a prolonged period of time. 

To keep them away, you’ll need to go a step ahead and maintain certain practices on a daily basis. The idea is to cut off their food and water sources completely. And, close all their entry points. With nothing to attract roaches, you’ll see them lessen in number over time.

Read more: Keep your floors nice and tidy

Written by Ramona Sinha. August 10, 2022

Ramona is a content writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depths of her soul.

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lilian_morgan@outlook.com(@lilian_morganoutlook-com)

In my case, my neighbor was very dirty and the neighboring apartments suffered from pests that came from there.

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