Do Roaches Come in When It Gets Cold?

There’s nothing like getting warm and cozy during the cold winters. Unfortunately, the same goes for roaches, as they also like to get warm and comfortable when it’s cold outside. So the question arises, do roaches come in when it gets cold?

Let’s find out how and why cockroaches come in when it gets cold and whether there are any ways to prevent them from coming in in the first place.

Why Do Roaches Come in When It Gets Cold?

Believe it or not but roaches like to stay close to humans. Even though they know we will squash them at the very first sight, they still take their chances.

This is because they know we like to keep things nice and comfortable all year round. Especially during the cold weather, we turn up the thermostat or light up the fireplace to keep the indoors pleasant.

The same can be said about the kitchen as it stays warmer than other parts of the house due to the cooking. It also houses the appliances that give off heat, making perfect resident spots for cockroaches.

What Do Roaches Do in the Cold?

Cockroaches cannot stand extreme temperatures, both cold and warm. Because they can’t regulate their own body temperatures, they have to find external sources to do so.

When the temperature starts to drop, roaches have two options:

1. They find a way indoors to keep themselves warm.
2. If they can’t find a way inside, they’ll go into diapause, a kind of hibernation mode for roaches.

When hibernating, the cockroaches slow down their metabolism, allowing them to spend the winters on very little nourishment. They find safe spots to hide and hibernate, such as:

• Vents and ducts.
• Tree stumps.
• Piles of mulch, leaves, and wood.
• Inside cracks and gaps in walls, pipes, and drains.
• Basements, attic, and chimneys.

Can the Cold Temperature Kill Roaches?

As the weather turns cold, cockroaches will seek out warm places like office buildings, restaurants, homes, and even hospitals.

If the mercury drops below 14 F or -10 C, roaches who have not found a warm spot will begin to die. Whatever energy they have left, the roaches will try to find a cozy space until they freeze to death.

What if It’s Cold Inside?

Roaches tend to stay close to buildings and residences that allow them access to food, water, and warmth. So if in case the inside is too cold, they will scurry around in search of a warmer space.

Often, cockroaches gather inside walls and other small spaces in large numbers to keep their bodies warm.

5 Ways To Keep Roaches Away in Winter

The problem with cockroaches is that they are persistent pests. No matter how often you spray and use different insecticides to kill them, they keep coming back.

Even if you spot one cockroach crawling around during the cold season, chances are there’s a hibernating colony nearby.

Prevention is key when it comes to pests, so here are 5 ways to keep roaches away in winter:

1. Keep your kitchen clean by wiping away any crumbs and spills while also washing the dishes before going to bed.
2. Store away your food in airtight containers in the fridge or cabinets, and do not keep any food item in the open.
3. Throw away unwanted cardboard and newspapers. These are breeding grounds for roaches if not dusted, decluttered, and cleaned regularly.
4. Inspect your property for any cracks and openings around the attic, crawlspace, windows, doors, roof, foundation, and around plumbing and utility holes.
5. Replace your garbage bags every couple of days, if not daily, and ensure the trash cans are not filled with leftovers and food debris.

3 Signs You Have Guest Roaches for Winter

Roaches are nocturnal creatures, preferring to come out at night and sneak along corners.

So other than actually spotting a cockroach, here are 3 signs to let you know you have unwanted guests over for winter:

1. An oily and sweetish smell that is stale and damp, indicating roach pheromones.
2. Powdery droppings that look like coffee grounds or pepper.
3. Shedded skin and dead cockroaches.

Because roaches tend to hide and hibernate when it’s cold outside, this is a good time to call for a professional pest inspection.

The pest controller will check all possible roach hibernation spots and see if there are any chances of an infestation. If so, they’ll recommend the best course of action to take care of the roaches before they come out of hibernation.

Conclusion

So, do roaches come in when it gets cold?

Yes, they do! Cockroaches are always looking for three things; food, water, and warmth. If even a single one of these is present inside your home, then yes, roaches will come in when it gets cold!

So take preventive measures, and call a professional pest exterminator if things get out of hand!