10 Things That Invite Cockroaches to Your Kitchen

Have you ever thought about whatthe things are that invite cockroaches to your kitchen? Not yet! Think about this. If you figure out the answer, you can better protect your food preparation area from cockroach infestations. Cockroaches are filthy, disgusting, frightening…aren’t they? They are among the most unwanted guests in any home. And if they invade your kitchen, they are definitely not acceptable. Why? There are some obvious reasons you already know.

Your little son or daughter might be afraid ofthe sight of even a small cockroach. These creepy creatures can mess things up, like they can contaminate your food or food handling surfaces. The result! Your place is at risk for diseases; you know pests pose health risks. Food poisoning is one of the most common diseases that can result from food contamination.

This is not enough. Cockroaches are also notorious for spreading several other types of diseases. Dysentery, cholera, typhoid, E. coli, and Salmonellosis. Your older parents may also be at high risk. If someone in your family is allergic or has asthma, their symptoms will be exacerbated. So…one thing is clear now that you must not live with cockroaches. And keeping your home neat and clean is a better option than calling a professional cockroach pest control service after the infestation.

And knowing the offenders (things) in your kitchen that are friends of cockroaches is essential. If you know what attracts these creepy creatures, you can take effective steps toward prevention and control. Let’s learn about 10 surprising things that are a major reason for cockroach infestations in homes, especially in kitchens.

Moisture and Standing Water

Like many other pests, cockroaches also need water to survive. A leaky tap and under-sink water droplets offer sufficient moisture for their survival. Ironically, a wet sponge can be a reason why pests enter your kitchen. Typically, homeowners often overlook small drips and damp areas. But this is not the case for pests like cockroaches. They are smart enough to detect even a human-overlooked wet area, and can enter your kitchen. So, it is essential to micromanage to ensure your kitchen is dry so that pests cannot come. Make sure that you address any water leaks without delay. If you ensure these things are on priority, your kitchen might be safer from pest infestation.

Cluttered and Hard-to-Clean Areas

You must be aware of the fact that cockroaches love food. And they also thrive in cluttered environments where they can hide and reproduce. Think of a stack of newspapers in a corner of your kitchen and empty cardboard boxes or food packets in another corner…create perfect hiding spots for cockroaches. And piles of dirty dishes in the sink with leftover food stuff are just a feast for those unwanted guests. I think you got my point. What you need to do is ensure regular cleaning and keep your kitchen with minimal clutter. Plus, you should wash your dishes soon after you put them in the sink. Also, make sure to occasionally clean those dishes and plates that are placed on the kitchen racks for a long time. If you take these considerations into account, you are surely going to limit the cockroaches and other pests from entering your kitchen.

Dirty Appliances and Forgotten Food Residue

If your kitchen is clean, it is well and good. Still, there can be crumbs and food particles accumulated in unlikely places. Think of behind your refrigerator placed in the corner of the kitchen, under the stove, or inside your favorite toaster. These hidden food sources again provide survival environments for cockroaches. You might fail to notice these small food particles around your kitchen appliances, but pests are smarter than you. So, take into accountfor proper cleaning of appliances and remove foot particles if any. If you do this without fail, cockroaches are less likely to enter your kitchen.

Pet Food Left Overnight

Your love, Sheru—your adorable doggy. It’s good. Taking care of your pet is your responsibility. But this should not be at the cost of your health. Sometimes, pets can be a good reason for inviting different pests into your home. You should not keep a bowl in which you feed your pet with leftover food out overnight. Instead, give food to your pet at scheduled times and promptly remove leftover food if any. And, do not forget to wash them, especially in the evening.

Grocery Bags and Cardboard Packaging

Your kitchen might have grocery bags or cardboard boxes brought from outside. You know what—these materials not only provide shelter to cockroaches (other pests also) but also a source of food. These things in your kitchen might contain food residues or crumbs. And they can be a reason why cockroaches are attracted to your kitchen. The solution? It’s changing your habit.

Think of this: when you bring groceries or vegetables from the market to your home, what do you do with the packaging? Many people are weird hoarders. They keep even old packets and bags for a long time just to use them again. This is the habit you need to change. Make it a practice to unpack grocery bags or packages as soon as you bring them to your home from the market. Otherwise, these packaging materials can turn into a breeding ground for many pests.

Garbage Disposal and Trash Cans

Kitchen trash cans are obvious attractants if not managed carefully. Even when covered, the smell of food waste can draw cockroaches. Using trash cans with tight-fitting lids and regularly taking out the garbage — particularly food waste — can significantly reduce their appeal.

Warm Appliances and Surfaces

Did you know that cockroaches prefer to make their abode in warmer places? Think of your refrigerator sides, especially adjacent to the walls. It will be a nice place for pests where they can hide and also enjoy the warmth of the refrigerator. Ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers are other kitchen appliances that generate heat and create warmer environments for roaches. In simple words, these appliances are more likely to attract cockroaches in your kitchen. What is the solution, then? Nothing more than regular cleaning. Make sure to clean around your appliances to deter cockroach activity.

Dark and Quiet Spaces

Why do pests like cockroaches like to relax in dark and quiet spaces? The reason is obvious. These are the areas where pests find themselves safe and undisturbed. Usually, they avoid well-lit and noisy places without being afraid of getting caught. That is why many pests make their presence in the night. Cabinets, behind cupboards, and under sinks are the most common dark hiding spots for pests in most kitchens. I think you understood what you should do then. Simply let your electrician install night lights in your kitchen to make pests uncomfortable. A good trick—open cupboards and racks periodically, even if you do not need to take anything out of them. Also, do regular cleaning to ensure no cockroaches, ants, or lizards have made their presence.

Cracks and Gaps in Walls or Flooring

Many homeowners often overlook tiny cracks and gaps in walls or flooring and around the pipes. This is a major mistake, not just because the problem can be bigger, but also because these are the favorite routes for many pests to enter a home. These gaps serve as the safest place for cockroaches and many other pests, such as lizards and ants. And they then enter the kitchen when there is no human activity or at night. The best bet is to conduct regular inspections of your kitchen and other areas of your home. If you find any cracks or crevices, seal them ASAP.

Sugary and Greasy Residues

And this one. Not only do ants love anything that is sweet or greasy, but cockroaches also. Do not overlook tiny crumbs as they can be attractants, too. Residues left on the kitchen countertop, spills behind the stove, and splashed patches of sugary drinks can be a golden invitation card for cockroaches and other pests, too. The solution–a little change in your habit. Make it a habit to wipe down the counter and stove every time after cooking. Do not leave it to your household help, who will come the next day. This will help you with not only cockroach management, but also keeping your place fresher.

Concluding Words

Cockroaches are among the most common household pests in the world. They have got special traits (capabilities) of thriving in conditions most humans overlook. You cannot imagine that a cockroach can hide even under a small box in front of you. Because you do not often lift or use the box. Taking care of the issues highlighted in this article will help you protect the place from severe infestations.

Needpest control services in Pune for cockroach issues? Feel free to contact Get Pest Control or simply make a phone call to 1800 11 6878. You will get a free home inspection and the best service for the eradication of permanent cockroach infestation from your kitchen or home.