what draws cockroaches are able to survive almost anywhere and are often drawn to indoor environments that offer shelter, food and water. During their long and varied evolution, they’ve survived ice ages, volcanic wastelands and the reign of dinosaurs. That’s why it’s important to know what draws cockroaches and how to eliminate the things that attract these pests inside and outside your home.

The Magnetic Allure: Understanding What Draws Cockroaches into Your Home

The first thing that attracts cockroaches is food. They’re omnivores and will eat nearly anything. A morsel of forgotten chocolate hidden behind a sofa or a pile of unswept skin cells may whet their appetite, but they’ll also be attracted to rotting foods like fruits and vegetables in the pantry, garbage, animal and human waste, and collections of corrugated cardboard.

Just as important as food is water for cockroach survival. Outdoor trash cans are an easy source of this in-demand resource, as are puddles, pools, and overwatered plants. Wet towels and bath mats are another source of cockroach attraction, as is the moisture found in a leaky pipe or under a sink.

The best way to minimize what draws cockroaches is to keep the kitchen and pantry as clean as possible. Throw away all soiled foods immediately, clean up spills promptly and wash dishes after use. Avoid stacking trash bags next to the trash can and use plastic storage containers instead of corrugated cardboard.