This is a very common problem in every household. Suddenly, tiny cockroaches are showing up around the kitchen sink, behind the fridge, in the corners of the wardrobe, or on the dining table! Though small, they breed quickly and can spread throughout the entire house. They are commonly called “Chinese cockroaches,” but to be sure which species they actually are, you need a photo or an expert’s identification.
Where do these cockroaches come from?
Cockroaches can enter your home through grocery bags brought from outside, cartons, old furniture, used electronics, or even from a neighbor’s apartment. They can also travel around pipes in an apartment building, through gaps in the walls, and across various joints and connection points. The warmth of the kitchen, along with humidity and easy access to food, creates an ideal place for them to survive.
Why do they spread so fast?
Cockroaches can survive on the tiniest food crumbs, oil and grease stains, dirt, and water. If their egg cases stay hidden in a safe spot, new cockroaches can hatch. Some species multiply significantly within just a few months. So it is not wise to ignore the problem after seeing only one or two cockroaches.
Why is cleaning up food at night so important?
When people in the house fall asleep at night, cockroaches come out in search of food. Food left out overnight, dirty dishes, water droplets collecting in the sink, and leftovers in the trash bin all become easy food sources for them.
Five nightly habits before bed
- Cover food or put it away in the fridge.
- Wash the dishes and clean the sink.
- Wipe oil, gravy, and food particles off the stove and cooking counters.
- Keep the trash bin lid closed and take out the garbage regularly.
- Clean up food scraps and water droplets on the floor.
Remember, sweeping the house alone won’t be enough. If you can cut off the cockroaches’ sources of food and water, you can greatly reduce their chances of multiplying.