What Attracts Roaches in Tennessee Homes and How to Stop Them

If you chose to live in Tennessee because of the weather, you’re not alone. Although you may not love the hot, humid summers (or maybe you do), you probably are a big fan of the mild winters and long, warm springs and falls. Unfortunately, so are roaches. Tennessee’s climate allows cockroaches to thrive year-round, and when things get unpleasant for them outdoors, they can find everything they need in your home. You have a reliable source of food, water, and shelter that helps them survive no matter the conditions outdoors.

If you end up with a roach problem in your Tennessee home, it probably didn’t happen by accident. Although roaches occasionally enter homes by chance, more often than not, they find their way inside because they’re attracted to what your home offers. Find out what you’re doing to attract roaches and what you can do to keep them out of your house below.

Why Are Roaches So Common in Tennessee Homes?

Unlike colder areas of the United States, Tennessee offers the ideal conditions for cockroach activity. These pests do best in environments that are highly humid and warm. Tennessee’s climate supports cockroach survival and reproduction. Even when it gets cold outside in winter, the roaches that have found warm accommodations indoors have no trouble not only surviving, but staying active.

With growing urban and suburban areas across our state, cockroaches can also find plenty of food sources. Even if food becomes scarce outside, all they need to do is find a home or business to move into to get all the food they need. 

Which Types of Roaches Are Found in Tennessee Homes?

There are three common types of cockroaches in Tennessee. Oriental cockroaches are shiny and black, with bodies about an inch in length. They prefer cool, damp areas and are most often found outdoors. Occasionally, they’ll make their way indoors, but they need water to survive, so you’re more likely to find them in basements, laundry rooms, and lower levels when they do get inside.

American cockroaches are large, reddish-brown roaches that can fly, but rarely do. Like oriental cockroaches, they don’t get indoors frequently, but when they do, you’re most likely to find them in dark, damp areas.

German cockroaches are the roaches that most often infest homes. They are small and tannish-brown, and usually show up in kitchens and bathrooms, where they hide under sinks and in drains.

Is Moisture the Main Reason Roaches Move Inside?

Moisture is one of the main factors in a cockroach infestation. These pests need moisture to survive, so they won’t move into an area that is too dry. If your house has water and moisture issues or is highly humid, it will be far more likely to be infested by cockroaches. 

Oftentimes, there are areas of moisture in your house that you easily overlook. Some of the most common moisture issues that attract cockroaches are:

• Leaky pipes under sinks

• Dripping faucets and standing water

• Condensation on pipes

• Damp basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms

• Pet water bowls left out overnight

What Food Sources Attract Roaches the Most?

In addition to moisture, food is a major attractant to cockroaches. Although they’ll eat almost anything they can find, they love an easy meal, and most homes have food sources all over the place. Even if you pride yourself on keeping a clean home, you probably have food particles lying around that you’re not aware of. Consider all of these potential roach food sources:

• Crumbs and spills on floors and counters

• Grease buildup behind appliances

• Dirty dishes left out overnight

• Pet food left in dishes

• Trash and open food packaging

• Residue from soap or toothpaste

Even small amounts of food can sustain roaches, and they can survive for several weeks without food, so maintaining good cleaning and food storage habits is essential to avoid an infestation.

How Do Clutter and Storage Habits Make Infestations Worse?

Although cockroaches can infest any home, no matter how clean or dirty, there are certain advantages to maintaining an uncluttered home. If your house has a lot of clutter, it will be much more difficult to identify a cockroach infestation. This will give the roaches more time to reproduce and spread throughout your house before you notice their presence. 

Consider all of the areas in your house where cockroaches might go unnoticed. Some of their favorite places to hide include:

• Cardboard boxes

• Paper piles

• Storage in garages, attics, and closets

• Piles of clothing or unused items

• Behind clutter under sinks

• In dark, undisturbed spaces

Not only does clutter create a space where you don’t notice the roaches, but it also provides them with the ideal site for nesting and breeding. By removing clutter, you remove the areas where roaches can hide.

Where Do Roaches Enter the Home?

Although they may look huge when you discover cockroaches in your house, in actuality, they’re fairly small and easily able to access your house through small openings. Your house likely has a variety of entry points that allow cockroaches to make their way indoors. Common entry points include:

• Gaps around plumbing and utility lines

• Cracks in walls and foundations

• Torn window screens

• Gaps under doors

• Vents and poorly sealed openings

How Do Outdoor Conditions Contribute to Indoor Roach Problems?

Certain outdoor conditions can trigger indoor infestations. If weather conditions are unfavorable, cockroaches are more likely to move inside in search of relief. These conditions can include excess heat and dry weather, excess rain, and unseasonably cold temperatures.

Additionally, the environment around your house could contribute to a roach infestation. If you store wood piles near your house or have a lot of mulch around your foundation, you might attract roaches. Heavy vegetation that touches your home and areas of standing water also increases your chances of ending up with cockroaches inside.

How Can You Remove What Attracts Roaches Inside Your Home?

The good news is that although there are a lot of things that attract cockroaches, if you’re vigilant, you can remove most of those attractants. Do so by:

• Fixing plumbing leaks immediately

• Using dehumidifiers in damp areas

• Cleaning your kitchen thoroughly, including under appliances

• Storing food in airtight containers

• Emptying your trash daily

How Do You Eliminate Hiding Spots and Entry Points?

Removing food and water attractants will go a long way in helping you avoid an infestation, but that’s only one part of the equation. You also need to eliminate entry points and hiding spots. This makes it more difficult for roaches to get into your house and harder for them to find suitable accommodations once indoors. Try these tips to reduce your chances of an infestation:

• Replace cardboard storage boxes with sealed plastic bins

• Declutter storage areas

• Seal cracks with caulk

• Install door sweeps and weather stripping around doors and windows

• Screen vents and openings

• Cut back vegetation around the exterior of your house 

When Should You Call Professional Pest Control?

Roaches are tough pests to get rid of. If you’ve done what you can to prevent an infestation, but start to see signs of their presence, it’s time to contact the professionals at All-American Pest Control. We recommend giving us a call if:

• You start seeing roaches during the day

• You find droppings on a recurring basis, even after cleaning

• There is a large, fast-growing roach population in your house

Professional pest control is a necessity for a well-established cockroach infestation. When you find roaches in your house, the best way to get rid of them is with the help of experts who are trained in cockroach elimination and prevention.

Keep Cockroaches Away With All-American Pest Control

Cockroaches are common pests in Tennessee, and it’s likely that your house has multiple attractants that could lead to an infestation. Because these pests can spread diseases, you have to take action as soon as you notice signs of a problem. Early action prevents rapid population growth and gets the infestation under control before it becomes widespread. Get in touch with All-American Pest Control to schedule a pest inspection if you have reason to believe that cockroaches have gotten into your house. 

Dependable Pest Control in Nashville, TN & Nearby Neighborhoods

Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.

We proudly serve: West End Heights, Bellevue, Brick Church, Charlotte Park, 12 South, Belmont, Burton Hills, Donelson, Edgehill, Ensworth, Hillsboro Village, Hillsboro West End, Melrose, Music Row, Radnor, Shelby Park, Sylvan Park, The Nations, Wedgewood Houston, West Nashville, Whites Creek, and the entire Davidson County and Greater Nashville areas.

For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All-American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or Schedule a Free Consultation online.