Encountering a cockroach crawling on you can be unsettling. While they typically avoid human interaction, understanding their behaviors and what attracts them explains these encounters. This knowledge also helps in implementing effective prevention strategies.
Understanding Cockroach Behavior
Cockroaches are nocturnal, most active at night. This behavior allows them to search for food and water while avoiding predators. Seeing a cockroach during the day may indicate a larger infestation, as they typically hide in secluded areas.
They are exploratory, constantly seeking warmth, moisture, and shelter. When a human is asleep, their body provides warmth and sometimes moisture through perspiration, which can attract a curious cockroach.
Movement across a sleeping person is opportunistic and incidental, not aggressive. As scavengers, they seek resources, and a sleeping human’s body can offer dead skin cells or food residue. While they typically avoid people, extreme hunger in a significant infestation might lead them to seek food on a person.
Common Attractors in Your Home
Cockroaches are drawn indoors by food, water, and harborage points. They are omnivorous, consuming a wide range of organic matter. Common food attractors include crumbs, unsealed food, pet food left out, and garbage.
Moisture is a significant factor, as cockroaches require water to survive; they can live for months without food but only about a week without water. Leaky pipes, dripping faucets, standing water, and condensation provide essential water sources. Damp environments like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements offer the high humidity levels they prefer.
Harborage points, safe and dark hiding spots, complete the attractors. These include cluttered areas, cracks in walls, gaps around pipes, and spaces behind appliances. Clutter like cardboard boxes and newspapers provides ideal shelter, as cockroaches prefer tight spaces.
Strategies to Deter Cockroaches
Consistent cleanliness is a primary defense against cockroaches. Wipe down surfaces, clean spills and crumbs immediately, and vacuum regularly to remove food sources. Store food in airtight containers and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Empty and clean garbage cans with tight-fitting lids regularly.
Eliminating moisture sources removes a key resource. Promptly repair leaky pipes and faucets, address condensation, and ensure good ventilation in damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Dry sinks and showers nightly and empty pet water bowls regularly for a less inviting environment.
Seal entry points to prevent cockroaches from entering your home. Inspect and seal cracks around doors, windows, utility lines, and foundations with caulk or foam. Weatherstripping on doors and windows creates a tighter seal. Reduce clutter, especially paper and cardboard, to remove hiding spots.