How to prevent cockroaches

Your property could be an ideal breeding ground for certain species of cockroaches. They have multiple ways they can gain entry through cracks, crevices, vents, sewers, and pipe drains. The most effective way to prevent cockroaches is to deny them easy access to food, water, and shelter, which are the main factors that attract them to your home or business. German cockroaches tend to favor kitchens and can be prevented by keeping crumbs and other particles of food from accumulating in and around counters and cabinets.

Need professional cockroach control? Call Ehrlich on 800-837-5520 for a free inspection of your property and a quote for innovative prevention and control.

What causes roaches?

Cockroaches are resilient pests that can thrive in almost any environment. The primary reasons they invade homes and businesses are food, moisture, and warmth. Crumbs, spills, and food debris are irresistible to these pests, especially in kitchens where food is regularly prepared.

Cockroaches are also drawn to moisture, so leaks in pipes, sinks, or damp areas are prime locations for them to breed. Warm environments, such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces, can also attract roaches looking for a safe space to shelter.

Roaches are known to be scavengers, meaning they can survive on a wide variety of food sources—ranging from leftover food to pet food and even organic waste like paper or decaying matter. This is why maintaining a clean environment and properly storing food is essential to eliminating the factors that attract cockroaches.

In addition to poor hygiene, roaches can enter buildings through cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and vents. They can also hitchhike inside bags, boxes, and secondhand appliances, unknowingly spreading the infestation from one location to another.

Cockroach prevention tips 

Cockroaches are difficult to get rid of once they have infested your space, but preventing them is much easier if you take the following steps. 

Several preventive measures can help keep cockroaches out of your home or business:

Eliminate food sources

Store dry foods in tightly sealed containers or plastic bags, and avoid leaving any food out on the counters. Remember to clean up after meals and wipe down all surfaces to remove crumbs and food debris. Cockroaches are attracted to any accessible food, so proper storage and cleanliness are critical to avoiding a cockroach infestation.

Clear all waste food and liquid spillage

Cleaning up food debris from preparation areas and spills under sinks or appliances is key to eliminating food sources. Do not leave liquids in sinks or buckets. Empty the trash regularly and dispose of all waste in sealed bins. This prevents roaches from scavenging in your garbage.

Remove pet food

If you have pets, avoid leaving their food and water bowls out overnight. Cockroaches are nocturnal and will take advantage of any accessible food and water during the night.

Rinse cans, bottles and plastics

It’s a good idea to thoroughly rinse all recyclables before placing them in the bin. Sticky or sugary residues can attract cockroaches.

De-clutter

Roaches love clutter, especially piles of paper, cardboard boxes, and magazines. These materials provide shelter and even a food source for certain species. Cockroaches release an aggregation pheromone in their droppings, telling others they have found a safe harborage. Remove old stacks of newspapers and magazines and unused cardboard boxes to prevent roaches from finding a comfortable hiding place.

Varnish or paint wood shelves

Sealing wood shelves with varnish or paint makes them less attractive to cockroaches. Wipe them clean regularly to remove dust and any food particles.

Seal entry points

To deny access to cockroaches. Key risks are gaps around pipes, drains, and common walls with neighboring properties when dealing with German, Oriental, and American cockroaches. Even tiny cracks around skirting boards and behind electrical sockets should be plugged in to reduce potential hiding areas.

Avoiding infestations in your kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most common areas for cockroach infestations because it contains an abundance of food and water. To keep cockroaches out of your kitchen, it's essential to maintain a clean and clutter-free environment, especially in food preparation areas. Wipe down countertops regularly to remove food crumbs and spills, and clean under appliances like the stove and refrigerator where food particles often accumulate. Store all food in sealed containers, and take out the trash frequently to avoid attracting these pests. 

Also, ensure that all kitchen drains and pipes are free of moisture, as cockroaches are drawn to damp environments. Regularly checking and sealing any cracks or gaps in walls, cabinets, or flooring can further help keep them out.

Are there any smells that keep cockroaches away?

Cockroaches are known to dislike certain smells, which can be used as natural repellents. While these methods may not eliminate cockroaches entirely, they may help deter them from entering your space. Some smells that cockroaches tend to avoid include:

• Peppermint oil: Known for its strong scent, peppermint oil can be sprayed around entry points to repel cockroaches.
• Eucalyptus: This essential oil is another natural repellent. You can use it in a spray form or place eucalyptus leaves in areas prone to roaches.
• Bay leaves: Cockroaches dislike the smell of bay leaves, so placing them in cabinets or near food storage areas may help keep them away.
• Boric acid: Though not a smell, boric acid is a well-known roach deterrent. Sprinkle it in crevices, cracks, and areas where roaches are likely to crawl. While this method can be effective, boric acid should be used cautiously, especially around children and pets.

Professional prevention services

If you have already spotted signs of an infestation, these steps will help to control an existing problem. Still, you will also need professional treatment for a reliable, long-term solution.

A quick response is essential to prevent cockroaches in your home from spreading to your neighbor's location.

At Ehrlich, we have specialist know-how and equipment enabling us to offer the most efficient way to get rid of cockroaches. Backed by over 85 years of experience locally across the U.S. and worldwide, you can be sure of an effective solution.

The very best form of prevention is regular monitoring and cockroach pest control by professionals. Please call us at 800-837-5520 to discuss your requirements for effective cockroach prevention in your home or business.

Frequently asked questions