Why Do I Have Roaches?

Like many pests, cockroaches can enter your home through tiny cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and pipes. Homes in urban areas such as Philadelphia or Allentown are often more vulnerable because they’re located near food establishments, waste systems, and other areas that attract pests. Cockroaches are excellent hitchhikers and can easily make their way inside via groceries, bags, or packages, so sealing off entry points is especially important. 

How To Address This: Pay attention to gaps in door sweeps, window seals, and wall cracks. Additionally, cockroaches may crawl through vent systems and drainage pipes, gaining access to your home through plumbing fixtures.

A lack of sanitation can be a major contributor to a cockroach problem. If food scraps, grease, or garbage accumulate in your home, it will attract roaches looking for easy meals. In Pennsylvania, where food waste can be higher during the winter months due to holiday gatherings or larger family meals, keeping the kitchen clean becomes even more essential. 

How To Address This: Roaches will feast on crumbs, pet food, and anything left behind, so it’s important to clean up food waste immediately, wash dishes promptly, and take out the trash regularly. Roaches can even scavenge in your garbage cans, so make sure lids are tightly sealed and bins are emptied frequently.

Cockroaches love clutter because it provides both food and hiding spaces. If your home has piles of newspapers, cardboard, or old clothing, it’s a perfect environment for roaches to thrive. These pests can easily hide in cluttered areas, making them harder to spot and control. In Pennsylvania, homes with basements, attics, and crawl spaces are particularly susceptible if these areas aren’t kept tidy. Cockroaches seek out dark, protected places, and piles of materials give them the perfect shelter. 

How To Address This: It’s important to regularly declutter and clean hard-to-reach spaces to reduce their hiding spots.

Cockroaches are highly attracted to moisture, which they need to survive. Leaky pipes, damp basements, or standing water in sinks and bathtubs can create a welcoming environment for these pests. In Pennsylvania, where humidity levels can vary and heavy rainfall is common, moisture can become an even bigger issue during the spring and summer months. Cockroaches will seek out bathrooms, kitchens, and basements with high humidity, where water is easily accessible. 

How To Address This: To combat this, fix any leaks promptly, ensure that your home is well-ventilated, and use a dehumidifier in areas prone to excess moisture, such as basements.

In colder months, cockroaches in Pennsylvania homes may seek warmth. As temperatures drop outside, roaches are more likely to enter homes that offer heat and shelter. This is especially common in areas with harsh winters, like the Pocono Mountains or regions near the Appalachian range. Roaches tend to cluster near heaters, stoves, and water heaters in search of warmth. They may also nest in the insulation or behind appliances where temperatures stay higher, providing the ideal conditions for their survival. 

How To Address This: To minimize their chances of entry, seal gaps around windows, doors, and any ventilation ducts that lead outside.

Cockroaches don’t always originate from inside your home. If your neighbor has an infestation, it’s possible that the pests can migrate from one home to another. In densely populated areas, like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, cockroaches can travel easily from one house or apartment to another through shared walls, plumbing, or ventilation systems. This is especially true in apartment complexes or row homes with shared spaces. Even in suburban areas, cockroaches may find their way through shared utility lines, which is why infestations in neighboring homes can quickly escalate to yours. 

How To Address This: Keeping your home sealed and inspecting common areas of the property for signs of pests is crucial in these situations.

Cockroaches can also be brought into your home from the outside on items like groceries, boxes, or luggage. These pests can hitch a ride on cardboard boxes from stores or packages delivered to your door, particularly if they’ve been stored in areas where roaches are already present. When moving into a new home, unpacking items from storage, or even returning from a vacation, you could unknowingly bring roaches with you. 

How To Address This: Inspect boxes, bags, and other items carefully before bringing them inside to prevent infestations. It’s also a good idea to store food in sealed containers and keep your luggage off the floor, especially in areas like hotels or motels that may have a history of pest problems.