What To Do if You See a Cockroach

Just the mention of the word “cockroach” makes most people’s skin crawl. If you see a cockroach in your home, don't panic! These pests are more common than you might think.  In fact, cockroaches are one of the most common household pests in the United States. These indoor pests are tough to get rid of once they get inside your home and can cause allergies and carry diseases. 

Why am I Seeing Roaches All of a Sudden?

The first time you walk into the kitchen and see a cockroach scurry under the refrigerator might shock you. You might ask yourself, “why am I seeing cockroaches in my home?” Just because you have roaches doesn't necessarily mean you have a dirty home. 

There are several reasons why cockroaches might choose to move into your home, including:

• Heat waves - Can draw cockroaches out to search for cooler places.
• Freezing temperatures - Makes roaches find a warmer place.
• Food sources - such as outside garbage cans, rotting food, and pet food.
• Dense vegetation -  Such as leaf piles, mulch, or pine straw, around your home.
• Moisture - Leaking faucets and pipes in your bathrooms, laundry room, or kitchen.

Should I Kill a Cockroach?

When you first spot a cockroach in your home, your first instinct will be to kill it. There are multiple ways to kill a cockroach, but be warned, these creatures have millions of years of evolution and adaptation under their belts and can withstand some pretty big blows. Cockroaches can actually withstand up to 900 times their body weight, so choose your roach-killing methods wisely. 

Does Killing a Cockroach Attract More?

When a cockroach is squished or crushed, it releases a substance called oleic acid, which can attract other cockroaches to the area. This isn’t because they are coming to the aid of the fallen cockroach; it’s because of the fact that cockroaches will eat each other if there isn’t enough food available. So when one is killed, it’s like a billboard advertising an all-you-can-eat buffet. 

What Happens if I Squish a Cockroach?

Squishing a cockroach is not recommended because, as we mentioned earlier, this will cause the cockroach to release oleic acid, which can attract more cockroaches. 

Will Roaches Go Away on Their Own?

Cockroaches are always prepared for the worst conditions imaginable. If you have a roach infestation, don’t set your hopes on starving them out. Even if you move every scrap of food out of your home, cockroaches can survive up to a month without eating. After that period of time expires and there is still no available food, roaches will turn on each other, including their own eggs and young, to sustain themselves.