As the weather gets warm and you prepare to do annual outdoor activities like swimming, picnics, and other such things, you go into the garage and notice a cockroach.
Although it is common to see some cockroaches in the garage, you still want to do your best to deal with these creatures. This is because if a cockroach gets in the garage, it will eventually make its way into other areas of your home.
However, having these insects in your home will spread disease and other such sicknesses into your home and ruin your peaceful environment.
This article discusses why cockroaches enter your garage, how to eliminate them, and what preventative measures you should take. Continue reading for more information.
Why Are There Cockroaches in the Garage?
There are cockroaches in the garage because it lacks sunlight, and there are plenty of spaces to hide there. Garages have many nooks and crannies that are perfect for roaches to hide and make their nest, primarily if you use this space for storage.
Another reason for seeing a roach in the garage is because of dampness. You may notice that a home with high humidity may result in garage condensation. However, rainwater and snow can cause this to happen as well.
Lastly, if your garbage cans or pet food is in the garage, this will attract roaches to these spaces and make it their permanent home.
Read More: What Do Cockroaches Eat? Their Favorite Foods
How to Get Rid of Roaches in Your Garage
There are many ways to get rid of roaches in your garage. Let us go down the list below.
1. Eliminate Food Sources
If there is a food source nearby, remove such items. Make sure to eliminate trash cans and store pet food and other items in an airtight container.
2. Reduce Excess Moisture
Remove any water sources you may see. For example, the area might have leaky pipes or standing water. Make sure those are fixed and consider investing in a dehumidifier.
3. Eliminate Cardboard Boxes
Roaches love living in cardboard boxes, but they are also a food source for these bugs. Consider using large plastic containers to store your belongings instead.
4. Seal Gaps
If you notice any gaps or holes in the ceiling, walls, or floors, seal them. That way, the roaches can no longer get inside this way.
5. Use Roach Baits & Traps
Lastly, you will want to use roach traps and baits to ensure you eliminate these bugs. Overall, you want to kill roaches from the premises of your home.
Preventative Measures to Take to Avoid a Roach Invasion
Now that you have removed these pests from your garage, it is time to prevent them from returning!
1. Use an Essential Oils Spray
Roaches particularly hate peppermint oil, cypress oil, lavender, and eucalyptus oils, so make sure to spray around the garage doors to deter these bugs away.
Read More: Keeping Roaches Away With Cypress Oil
Peppermint is the most effective essential oil. Spray this mixture twice a week so the scent can remain there as long as possible.
2. Use Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is used to seal air leaks around the doors and windows of your home. However, install weather stripping to keep pests out too.
3. Keep Decaying Organic Matter Out
You want to ensure any decaying organic material is out of the garage. These materials include debris, tree trimmings, dead plants, roaches or bugs, etc.
4. Keep the Garage Clean
Keeping the garage clean means eliminating as much clutter as you can. Consider doing a deep clean and eliminating stuff you no longer need.
5. Keep Natural Roach Repellents Nearby
You can choose to purchase natural roach repellents online or pick certain ones that work best, such as:
- Bay leaves
- Cinnamon
- Diatomaceous earth
- Garlic powder
- Lemon juice
Is It Normal to Have Cockroaches in Garage Areas?
Yes, it is normal to have cockroaches in garage areas. Cockroaches do not need much to survive and can thrive almost anywhere, including your garage.
If you have a food source, water source, and shelter, they will find it and attempt to make it their home.
Can There Be a Cockroach Infestation in the Garage?
Yes, there can be a cockroach infestation in the garage. However, this can be a significant issue in the long run.
Suppose you eliminated all sources of food and water in the garage but have not attempted any way to kill them off. In that case, you might start having a cockroach problem inside your home as well.
Read More: Diet and Lifespan: How Long Can Roaches Live Without Food?
Why Am I Seeing Dead Cockroaches in the Garage?
You are seeing dead cockroaches in the garage for multiple reasons. For example, if you recently used a roach spray or placed poison in the area, you might see dead roaches.
However, if you have not done any treatment but still see dead roaches in the area, then you might be dealing with an infestation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Big Roaches in My Garage?
The big roaches in your garage are American cockroaches. These insects are roughly 1 1/4 to a little over 2 inches long. They are also common household pests in North America.
American roaches like living in your garage’s dark and humid areas, so check under the garbage cans and recycling bins. Regularly clean these bins to ensure the cockroaches cannot eat leftover food.
Does Killing a Roach Attract More?
Yes, killing a roach does attract more, especially if you do not clean up the mess. Some homeowners may think that leaving one cockroach body on the garage floor will deter other roaches from that area.
However, that is not the case, as these insects will eat dead roaches and other things in the area.
What Kills Cockroaches Instantly?
Boric acid kills cockroaches instantly. You can get boric acid in dust form or use bait traps.
Make sure to place one part of boric acid to one part of sugar in areas you see the most roach activity.
Cockroaches cannot resist the sugar temptation, so when they consume the mixture, the boric acid dehydrates their body, and eventually, they die.
