Why are cockroaches getting into Kansas City kitchens? How to keep them out of your home

Kansas City Star - 5/24/2023

Be wary of other critters trying to beat the heat in your house this summer in Kansas City. It might not just be you hanging out inside.

Some cockroaches, like the German cockroach, hide indoors during the warmer months, but you’re most likely going to run into the American cockroach, which can infest your home at any point.

While cockroaches don’t bite often, they can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans, including Salmonella and poliomyelitis, the virus that causes polio, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cockroaches are also a source of allergens, which can trigger respiratory illnesses like asthma, according to the American Lung Association.

Here’s why cockroaches infest homes, and what you can do to prevent them from entering.

WHY DO COCKROACHES COME IN?

Jeff Preece, a board-certified entomologist with the Entomological Society of America in Missouri, said cockroaches look for the triangle of life — food, water and shelter. Most houses have these components.

Trash and clutter aren’t big factors in cockroaches coming inside, but it doesn’t hurt to keep your home clean.

Cockroaches can get inside houses in multiple ways. They can get inside through the smallest of openings. Preece said if you can slide a piece of paper through a crack or crevice, cockroaches can get in and hide in those walls.

You could also bring in cockroaches without knowing when you bring in your groceries or furniture, too. Preece said they like tight spaces, so doing some self-inspection is key, although he said you don’t have to search every time.

He said insects have a hard time staying hydrated during the warmer months, so they look for cool places with condensation to hang out.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A COCKROACH INFESTATION?

These are the signs you have an American cockroach infestation, according to the National Pest Management Association, and you should call pest control:

Droppings in dim areas of your home

Presence of egg capsules, which are about 8 millimeters long and dark-colored

A musty smell around

Preece said if you see a cockroach during the daytime, it’s a sign there’s more inside. The insects are nocturnal creatures and don’t like to be out when there’s sunlight.

HOW TO KEEP COCKROACHES OUT

The National Pest Management Association recommends these tips to help keep cockroaches away from your home:

Seal cracks in walls and gaps near electric sockets and around the house.

Keep counters, sinks, tables and floors free of crumbs and clutter.

Don’t let dishes pile up.

Avoid leaving food out in the open and store it in airtight containers. This includes any pet foods.

Vacuum every week to remove leftover food particles.

Ventilate crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup.

If you think cockroaches are inside your home, you should call a licensed pest control professional. One of The Star’s reporters had a cockroach issue in her apartment, which led her to go on a long journey to breaking her lease.