Why Do I Have Cockroaches If My House Is Clean?

Are you suddenly dealing with an infestation of cockroaches in your clean home and have no idea why? Unfortunately, cockroaches are often associated with unsanitary conditions, leading many to wonder why these pests might invade even the cleanest of homes. Contrary to popular belief, a roach infestation is not always an indicator of dirtiness. In this article, we'll explore the reasons you might be seeing cockroaches in your tidy home, dispel common myths associated with these vile pests, and explain why cockroach sightings in Chesapeake, Norfolk, and throughout Hampton Roads are likely to become more prevalent in the month of November.

Dispelling the cockroach myth

As we touched on above, it's a common misconception that only dirty or cluttered homes attract cockroaches. While it's true that these pests thrive in environments with readily available food and water, they can also show up inside clean, well-maintained houses. Cockroaches are resourceful and can find sustenance in the smallest of crumbs or spills. Their ability to adapt to various environments makes them a persistent challenge.

Seasonal cockroach trends in the Hampton Roads region

In Virginia, and specifically in the Hampton Roads area, cockroach infestations tend to spike in November due to the changing weather. As temperatures drop, these pests seek refuge in warm, sheltered areas, making homes an attractive option. Additionally, the fall season may reduce outdoor food sources, encouraging cockroaches to venture indoors in search of sustenance.

What attracts cockroaches into your home

• Easy access to warmth & shelter
  If your home is not properly sealed, there’s a good chance cockroaches will take advantage of cracks in the foundation, easy access into the crawlspace, openings around pipes and utility entrances, and other holes or gaps on the exterior of the house.
• Food sources
  American roaches and other species are attracted to food residue, crumbs, and spills. Even a meticulously clean home can have hidden traces of food that attract these pests.
• Water availability
  Interestingly enough, cockroaches can survive for extended periods without food but need water regularly. Leaks, condensation, or even the water bowl for pets can serve as water sources.

Of course, there are other ways roaches get inside homes

Sometimes homes develop infestations quite by accident. It’s entirely possible that you carried a cockroach (or two) home in bags or boxes from a store or lugged them in inside items you store in a shed or other outbuildings.

What to do if you find cockroaches in your home

First, don’t panic and don’t browbeat yourself for not keeping your home clean. Instead reach out to Getem Services for help getting rid of cockroaches! Our locally owned and family-operated pest control company has been serving homes in Hampton Roads since 1922 and are ready to help you exterminate cockroaches!

In fact, we offer home pest control services that offer year-round protection against these intrusive pests plus other house-infesting insects and rodents. Check out our quarterly pest control service plan below or give us a call if you have questions!

How to prevent cockroach problems

Regrettably, cockroaches are not just a fall problem, they’re active several months out of the year in Virginia. To prevent these illness-inducing pests from making your home their own, our experienced exterminators recommend:

• Sealing entry points
• Reducing moisture inside your home and crawlspace or basement
• Fixing plumbing issues
• Storing food in airtight containers
• Cleaning up spills and crumbs right away (don’t forget to check under the oven, refrigerator, and other appliances)
• Trimming back tree limbs and other landscaping elements that touch the sides of your home