When you moved in, everything seemed pristine. The tiles? Gleaming. The stovetop? Spotless. The carpet? Brand new! However, you quickly started finding roaches hidden in cracks, crevices, and cupboards after your move. You’re likely wondering, “Why do I have roaches in my clean apartment?”
These pesky creatures are not only terrifying (they can fly!), they are pests that can cause health concerns. Now what? Learn how to get rid of roaches in an apartment if you already keep a clean house.
Why Do I Have Roaches in My Clean Apartment?
A sparkling clean apartment is the best deterrent for attracting cockroaches, but it’s not entirely foolproof, as you unfortunately know. Some common factors that might draw cockroaches to your apartment include:
Damp Areas
Roaches rely on moisture for survival and that search for water will bring them into even the cleanest of apartments. Leaky pipes or a drippy faucet, things you don’t typically associate with a dirty apartment, are just what those cockroaches are looking for. That’s why you’ll most often find roaches in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other areas where water is used. And don’t forget about things like pet water bowls or standing water in that sink where you’re soaking the dishes overnight.
Cracks and Crevices
Roaches prefer the feel of something solid against their bodies, so even a clean apartment isn’t immune from cockroaches finding their way into the spaces between tiles, cracks in the walls, molding pieces, and gaps found between electrical installation and piping systems. All of these serve as roach shelters.
Food
Leaving any food around and uncovered is inviting cockroaches to come and hang out. Sometimes you may clean your kitchen one day, but then soon forget to wipe down your counters to get rid of food crumbs. Or you forget to close a box of cereal before putting it back into your cabinet. Open tops, lids, and jars make for an easily accessible snack for those pesky bugs.
Best Ways To Get Rid of Roaches In Your Apartment
Cockroaches are quick, sneaky, and adaptable pests that are quite honestly a pain to get rid of. They are also harmful to have around, as they carry bacteria and other infectious agents, so as soon as you spot one of these unwelcome house guests, take action!
Limit Moisture
To reduce the chances of a roach infestation, get rid of standing water anywhere in the apartment. Whether that’s fixing a dripping faucet or avoiding soaking dishes overnight, make an effort to cut down on the sources of water that are available to the roaches.
Seal Nooks and Crannies
You might not usually scour your apartment looking for cracks and crevices, but now is the time to do so. Carefully check for those nooks and crannies and then use caulk to seal them, effectively blocking off the entry points that roaches may use.
Use Bait
Often, the safest and most effective baits work over time to kill off roaches. Place the bait in containers spaced throughout their most frequent hang out spots, and change it out once a month. The cockroaches will either eat it on the spot or carry the poison back to their friends and spread the plague. Various bait and gel options are often found at your local hardware store or supermarket.
Talk to Your Landlord
Finally, if you’ve truly done all you can do, talk to your landlord. Chances are your apartment unit isn’t the only one with a problem, and poorly maintained outdoor spaces may be contributing to the problem. Having a conversation with your landlord could help provide solutions, including bringing in a professional exterminator.
Move to a New Place
If you’ve done everything above and still find roaches in your apartment, you have another option: move! Find a new, clean space, complete with 24-hour maintenance for your next transition with ApartmentSearch.
