Turning on your faucet and watching a cockroach scurry out of your sink drain can be a startling experience. Why are these insects drawn to drains, and what can you do to keep them away from your home? Here's a brief guide to roaches, sink drains, and pest control.

Why Roaches Like Sink Drains

Cockroaches are drawn to dark, damp, undisturbed areas that provide a food and water source. Those areas include sink drains as well as sewers, where roaches often begin their journey into a home. After moving into a sewer, roaches begin to explore the area, climbing up drains and laying eggs. If food becomes scarce or if a threat, such as a pesticide, is detected in the drain, the roaches may emerge in your sink. A pest control professional can help get rid of the insects.

How to Prevent Infestation

The best pest control strategy is prevention. To stop roaches from making their way from the sewer into your drain, wash dishes promptly. Keep your drains from drying out to make climbing more difficult. Regularly flush your drains with hot water. If you know you'll be traveling or otherwise unable to flush your drains for a while, follow the water with a small amount of mineral oil, which will prevent the moisture in your drain from drying for up to eight weeks. 

Roaches don't always enter homes through sink drains, sometimes using other tiny openings, including gaps around windows, doors, or air conditioning units. Seal these openings with tape or caulk. It is also important to eliminate as many food sources as possible by keeping crumbs and pet kibble off the floor and tightly sealing all food containers.

If you're experiencing a roach infestation or want to avoid one, Acme Pest Control in Concord, NC, can help. These pest removal specialists are committed to working with your personal schedule to create an inspection or removal plan that works for you. Visit their website or call (704)786-4166 for details.