The Most Common Things That Attract Cockroaches to McKinney Homes

two american cockroaches in a kitchen table eating crumbs in front of a plate with leftover food

Cockroaches are not only a nuisance but pose a threat to health, sanitation, and safety. 

There are a few signs of a roach infestation. If you notice their egg casings (oothecae) and droppings, you may have an infestation. You may also notice a musky odor and discarded wings or body parts.

Find out what common things attract cockroaches and what you can do to prevent them from invading your home.

Common Cockroaches in McKinney

There are more than 69 species of cockroaches across the country. These are the most common cockroaches in McKinney, TX.

American Cockroach

close up of an american cockroach isolated on white background

American cockroaches typically have a reddish-brown color and feature a figure-eight pattern around the pronotum. They can grow up to 53mm long. While adult American cockroaches have fully developed wings, they rarely fly. 

Brown-Banded Cockroach

close up of a brown-banded cockroach isolated on white background

Measuring 14 mm long, brown-banded cockroaches are a small species of cockroaches that have two distinct light brown bands that run along their wings.

German Cockroach

close up of a german cockroach isolated on white background

The German cockroach has a light brown color and grows up to 16mm in length. It is identified by two dark stripes that run along its back up to the head. 

Oriental Cockroach

close up of an oriental cockroach isolated on white background

Oriental cockroaches have a shiny black, dark brown body. They are also known as waterbugs as they are attracted to moist areas. They are large, reaching lengths up to 25mm.

5 Common Things That Attract Cockroaches

The first step to keeping cockroaches out is recognizing what attracts them to your home in the first place. 

Accessibility

Cockroaches have small, flexible bodies enabling them to squeeze through tiny openings into your home.

It is essential to close up gaps and holes in mesh screens, door sweeps, and weather strips. Use a caulking gun to seal cracks and crevices in windows or doors.

Excess Moisture & Water Source

Cockroaches need water for survival, and they seek moisture indoors. Excess moisture serves as a good source of water for cockroaches. 

Inspect your kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry for leaks and fix them immediately. Install dehumidifiers in areas with excess moisture and eliminate any standing water sources. 

Food Sources

many cockroaches feasting on crumbs near a kitchen window

Left-over food on dirty dishes serves as a major cockroach attractant. Be sure to do the dishes each night. Wipe down your counters and tables and ensure there are no crumbs and spills on the floor. Clean up greasy stovetops, and put away any food, including pet food, in airtight containers. 

Lastly, throw away your garbage and keep the trash bin lid sealed at all times.

Hideouts

Forgotten areas in your home are great hideouts for these critters. Check the below areas when cleaning:

  • Behind/under appliances
  • Under the sink
  • Inside the laundry room, kitchen, or bathroom
  • Empty storage boxes

Clean these common hiding spots thoroughly on a routine basis. 

Landscaping

Dense and overgrown shrubbery or vegetation can serve as a hiding spot for cockroaches. Trim down grass and foliage and maintain neat and tidy landscaping. Birdbaths, flower pots, and broken gutters can collect excess water and attract roaches.

Yard clutter or garage and trash and recycling bins also attract cockroaches, so be sure to check these areas.

How Do Cockroaches Enter Homes?

close up of a cockroach on brown wood floors

Here are the most common ways these pests can make their way into your home.

Cracks and Crevices

Cockroaches can crawl inside through doors and windows that do not seal properly or have been left open. They can also enter through cracks and crevices on the exterior walls. Seal any cracks with caulk and steel wool, and install door sweeps to keep them out.

Hitch-Hiking Schemes

Cockroaches may burrow into things like suitcases or old furniture you move inside. Or, they hide inside backpacks, packages, or paper grocery bags. Be sure to check these items before bringing them into your home.

Holes or Gaps in Vents and Pipes

Older vents tend to have holes and may not seal properly. Check your vents when you switch them out and ensure there are no openings around pipes under your sink.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

close up of many brown-banded cockroaches in the corner of an egg carton

There are a few effective methods to take control of a roach infestation.

Maintain Cleanliness

Dirt and filth serve as food sources and are the main attraction for cockroaches. Make sure to maintain cleanliness in your home and:

  • Wash dirty dishes after every meal
  • Clean up crumbs and spills immediately
  • Practice proper waste disposal and use bins with tight-fitting lids
  • Deep clean once a week

Try DIY Approaches

Store-bought traps and baits can be used to kill cockroaches if placed near their nests. Spray liquid concentrates into access points like cracks and holes to deter cockroaches from entering your home.

Hire Professionals

If you suspect a cockroach infestation, call the McKinney, TX exterminators at Stampede Pest Control today! Nothing beats the skills, knowledge, and proper tools professional pest control companies use to exterminate cockroaches.