Discovering cockroaches in your sparkling, clean home can be both surprising and frustrating. So why is there a sudden appearance of cockroaches in a clean house?

You may be relieved to know that the issue could stem from factors that don't relate to your cleaning abilities at all. Learn how to get rid of roaches, what attracts roaches to even the most pristine of homes, and what to do if you think you have a roach problem.

cockroach in bathroom

What causes roaches in houses and apartments?

What attracts roaches to a clean house primarily consists of their basic needs: food, water, and shelter, although they are usually brought into houses and apartments on other items, such as luggage or clothing. Cockroaches can go for as long as a month without eating, so lack of food might not be an immediate deterrent. German cockroaches have been known to eat things other than food to survive.

While food may not be readily available in an extra-clean home, water and shelter are almost always guaranteed. Many species of roaches prefer damp and humid climates. If you live in a state or region that fits this description, there's a good chance you'll find roaches in your house at some point, no matter how good of a housekeeper you are.

Why do I have roaches in my clean house or apartment?

Cockroaches tend to hide and live in areas with homes that provide them with their basic needs. Places like kitchens, bathrooms, underneath sinks, and behind appliances are common hiding places for these pests. Some factors that can attract cockroaches to a clean house or apartment include:

  • Moisture. Leaking sinks and appliances create conditions in which roaches thrive. They offer a readily available source of water and warm, sheltered spaces that provide the ideal harborage for cockroaches.

  • Landscaping. Certain landscape features like palm trees in your yard can attract some species of roaches, as they're a source of both shelter and water for cockroaches. And once roaches are near your home, they're more likely to find their way inside.

  • Food sources. Even if you keep your counters and floors clear of food residue, roaches can find a source of nourishment. Cockroaches will eat almost anything, from the glue of cardboard boxes to pet food and even hair.

  • Easy points of entry. Loose window seals, gaps under doors, tears in screens, holes around dryer vents, and other access points can give roaches a clear path into your home.

  • Neighbors. In apartments, neighbors' untidiness, roaches moving through plumbing and utility lines, and DIY pest control efforts can increase roach presence.

cockroach near drain

How do roaches enter a clean home?

There are many areas of the home that we don't think about that can be access points or attract roaches. You can help prevent cockroaches in a clean house by being mindful of factors that may escape everyday notice, like:

  • Window screens that aren't flush or that have small tears

  • Cracks in the exterior of your house

  • Gaps between the walls and floor

  • Clogged rain gutters

  • Air conditioner units that don't fit properly in windows

How to help get rid of roaches in a clean home

What attracts cockroaches in a clean house can be tricky. If you think cockroaches may have invaded your home, you’ll want to act quickly. Roaches are prolific breeders and could be laying eggs and expanding their colonies without you realizing that an infestation has started. Sealing off entry points, eliminating water sources, properly storing food, and removing garbage and clutter can go a long way to keep roaches at bay. Remember, while these steps can help reduce the presence of cockroaches in a clean house, they may not eliminate an established infestation.

Don't risk these insects getting out of hand by trying DIY cockroach removal methods. Contact Terminix® to customize a cockroach control and prevention plan that fits your home and family's needs.

Get Started with Cockroach Treatment