Hey everyone,
I’ve noticed way more American roaches in and around my house lately, especially in the kitchen and garage. I live in a fairly clean home, so this sudden uptick is really stressing me out.
From what I’ve read, these big roaches often come from outside — especially during hot or rainy weather — but I’m wondering if that’s all it is or if I should be more concerned about an actual infestation.
Hey @UrbanDweller87, totally normal this time of year. American roaches love warmth and moisture, so when it rains or gets super hot, they sneak inside to cool off. Doesn’t always mean you’ve got a full-blown infestation — but it’s smart to keep an eye out for egg cases or droppings.
Yep, I second that. When the weather changes, they migrate indoors like clockwork. I sealed around pipes and vents, and that alone cut sightings in half. Keep drains closed at night too, they can crawl up from there.
I used to think I had an infestation, but it turned out they were coming in through my laundry room vent every summer. Once I screened it off, they stopped showing up. So yeah, sometimes it’s just seasonal migration.
True, but sometimes the “weather excuse” hides a real nest nearby. If you’re seeing them every single night, they might’ve found a cozy spot inside. @CleanFreak2024, did you notice any difference after sealing vents completely?
@CrawlSpaceSam yeah, 100%. After I sealed the vent, I maybe saw one in months. Before that, it felt like they had a monthly rent agreement.
If you’re avoiding harsh chemicals, try focusing on moisture control — fix any leaks, run dehumidifiers, and store pet food in airtight containers. Roaches love damp, dark spots more than crumbs.
I’ve noticed they get worse after heavy rain. @EcoWatcher is right, moisture draws them in. I started running a fan in my basement and the population dropped fast.
I swear they fly straight at me when I turn the lights on. Do American roaches actually fly, or am I imagining things?
@NervousTenant oh they absolutely can! They don’t always, but in warm, humid air, they’ll glide or take short flights. Horrifying, but true. Keep your windows screened, they’ll sneak in through those too.
American roaches actually prefer sewers and leaf litter outdoors, but they’ll enter homes if the outside habitat gets flooded. So yeah, it might just be the weather, but staying proactive with sealing and drying out spaces really helps.
I used to think it was just “the season,” but once I started inspecting at night with a flashlight, I found a whole trail from my patio door. Sealed it up, no more visitors since. So yeah, weather plays a role, but a few small entry points can make a big difference.