August 8, 2024

What Do Roaches Eat?

What Do Cockroaches Eat?

Roaches are omnivores, meaning they consume both plant- and animal-based materials. Here are some common items roaches feed on:

Food

Organic Material

Starches and Sugars

Roaches are highly attracted to carbohydrates and sugars, making bread, pasta, cereal, and pastries irresistible to them.

Proteins and Fats

Sources include meat scraps, grease, and cheese. Protein-rich foods like eggs and beans are also on their menu.

Pet Food

Pet food left in bowls or on the floor becomes an open buffet for roaches. Even dry pet kibble stored improperly can attract these pests.

Household Items

Non-Food Items

Household Waste

Extreme Survival Foods

In times of severe food scarcity, roaches resort to:

American Cockroach Crawling in Sink

Removing Food Sources to Keep Roaches at Bay

Cockroaches are notorious scavengers with an uncanny ability to thrive on a wide variety of food sources. If you’re a homeowner in Sacramento, CA, minimizing access to these food sources is a key step in controlling infestations. Here are actionable strategies to make your home less inviting to roaches:

1. Keep Surfaces Spotless

Roaches are opportunistic feeders, drawn to crumbs and residue left on countertops, tables, and floors. Clean kitchen surfaces after preparing meals and ensure crumbs and spills are wiped up promptly. Use a household cleaner to eliminate greasy residues that may attract roaches.

2. Store Food in Airtight Containers

Any food left in open bags or boxes, such as cereal, pet food, and baking supplies, can be a feast for roaches. Store pantry items in airtight containers made of glass, plastic, or metal to keep these pests out.

3. Manage Food Waste Properly

Roaches are drawn to trash as a source of food. Use a trash can with a tight-fitting lid and take out the garbage regularly. For added prevention, line trash cans with sturdy bags and clean them periodically to eliminate odor and residue.

4. Eliminate Pet Food Access

Pet food is often a hidden source of nourishment for roaches. Avoid leaving pet food out overnight and store it in sealed containers. If your pet doesn’t finish their meal, pick up the bowl, and rinse it out to remove traces of food.

5. Declutter Your Home

Cluttered areas can harbor crumbs and food debris that attract roaches. Regularly declutter and clean spaces like cabinets, storage closets, and under furniture to remove hidden food particles.

6. Inspect and Seal Food Storage Areas

Roaches can infiltrate food storage areas through tiny cracks or gaps. Inspect your pantry, cabinets, and shelves for crevices, and use caulk or weatherstripping to seal them. This prevents roaches from accessing stored food.

7. Regularly Clean Appliances

Roaches often hide behind or inside appliances like stoves, refrigerators, and toasters, feeding on food remnants. Pull out appliances periodically to clean underneath and behind them, and ensure no crumbs or grease are left behind.

8. Address Outdoor Food Sources

In Sacramento’s warm climate, roaches can easily migrate indoors if they’re thriving outside. Keep outdoor garbage bins sealed, clean up fallen fruit or birdseed, and trim plants that may be harboring food debris or moisture.

By adopting these habits, Sacramento homeowners can significantly reduce roaches' access to food, disrupting their ability to survive and thrive in your home. Combine these efforts with professional cockroach control services for comprehensive protection against these resilient pests.

Keeping Your Home Roach Free

Roaches aren’t just a nuisance—they can carry diseases and trigger allergies. By understanding their diet and habits, Sacramento homeowners can take proactive steps to keep these unwelcome guests out. Learn more about how to get rid of roaches. Stay vigilant, maintain cleanliness, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.

Looking for reliable pest control in Sacramento? Big Time Pest Control offers tailored solutions to keep your home pest-free year-round. Contact us today for a free consultation!

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