Seeing a roach run across your floor can be a real shock. If you’ve seen one, there are probably more hiding nearby. Infestations happen when these pests find a way into your home while looking for food and water.
To stop a roach problem, you need to figure out where roaches are getting in.
Here in South Louisiana, roaches are common, especially during warmer months.
This article will show you how to find their entry points, what attracts them, and how to take action before things get worse.
Key Takeaways
• Roaches find their way inside through leaky pipes, small wall cracks, open windows, and gaps under doors.
• Warm areas behind appliances and dark crawl spaces give roaches the perfect place to hide and multiply.
• Sticky traps, droppings, egg cases, and musty smells are signs that a cockroach infestation may already be growing.
• Professional pest control companies can offer expert help when home remedies fail and the roach problem keeps coming back.
Check Plumbing and Leaky Pipes
Roaches love moisture. That’s why they often hang out near leaky pipes, faucets, and under sinks. Kinds like German cockroaches are usually found in damp places like bathrooms and kitchens. These common places give them the water sources they need to survive.
Take a flashlight and look under sinks and behind your dishwashers. Fix any leaks and make sure everything is dry. This helps keep them out and stops allergies and other pathogens from building up, too.
Look at Cracks and Crevices in the Walls
Roaches can slip through tiny crevices in your walls or floorboards. They like dark hiding places near food sources, like kitchens and pantries. These spots give them what they need without being seen.
You may find brown-banded cockroaches hiding in these areas. Use caulk to seal up cracks. If you spot exoskeletons or signs of baby roaches (called nymphs), you might have a nest nearby.
Check Doors and Windows
Roaches often get in through doors and windows. If your screen has a hole or your door doesn’t close all the way, that’s an open invitation. Some species of cockroaches, like the American cockroach, can even fly inside.
Seal up those gaps and fix anything broken. They leave behind pheromones that help other roaches find the way in, so stopping one can help stop many.
Check Behind Appliances
Roaches love warm areas. That’s why they hang out behind your fridge, oven, and dishwashers. These spots are close to crumbs and spills—and they’re nice and cozy.
German roaches are often found here.
You might also see egg cases or feces behind appliances. This is a big red flag. Pull out your appliances and do a deep clean-up of the area.
Inspect the Attic and Crawl Spaces
Oriental cockroaches often get in through your attic or crawl spaces. These areas have less traffic and can be full of cracks or open vents. Once inside, they make their way to your kitchen or bathroom.
These are also spots where you might find other pests like bed bugs or even termites. It’s smart to check these areas often, especially if you notice musty smells or unusual damage.
Remove Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes are a favorite hiding spot for roaches. If you’re storing boxes in your garage or closet, be careful. They love to hide and even feed on cardboard.
Unpack boxes outside if you can, and always check them before bringing them inside. Use plastic bins instead of cardboard when you can.
Use Sticky Traps to Track Them
Sticky traps are an easy way to see where roaches are coming from. Put them behind furniture, under sinks, and near trash cans. If you catch a lot in one area, that’s a good place to focus your cockroach control efforts.
Traps won’t stop a cockroach infestation on their own, but they’re a great tool for pest management.
Know the Signs of Cockroaches
Even if you don’t see one, cockroaches often leave signs behind. Here’s what to watch for:
| Sign | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Tiny black droppings | Roach feces, often found near food or nesting areas |
| Egg cases in corners or furniture | Roaches are breeding in your home |
| Musty smell | A sign of a larger infestation or lingering roach presence |
| Dirty dishes left out overnight | A food source that attracts roaches |
| Roaches near food storage areas | Likely nesting spot nearby |
Let Us Find Out Where Roaches Are Coming From
If you’ve tried all the DIY tricks and still have a roach infestation, it’s time to call in the experts. At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we offer fast, friendly pest control services across South Louisiana.
Our exterminators are trained to spot all species of cockroaches and know the best baits and tools to use for your home. We use proven pest control methods and back it all with a satisfaction guarantee. If the roaches come back, so do we—at no extra cost.
Book your free inspection today and let our team find the source of your roach problem, so you don’t have to deal with it again.
