Why do I have brown roaches in my house?

Finding brown roaches in your home can be alarming and concerning. Roaches are known to carry diseases and can be difficult to fully eliminate. Understanding why you have a brown roach infestation and how to address it is key.

What are brown roaches?

Brown roaches, also known as American roaches or waterbugs, are large, fast roaches that are reddish-brown in color. They are one of the most common roach species found infesting homes. Some key facts about brown roaches:

• Adults reach 1-2 inches in length
• Prefer warm, humid environments
• Nocturnal and avoid light
• Omnivorous and eat decaying matter
• Can survive for about a month without food
• Capable of reproduction in 4-6 months

Why are brown roaches in my house?

There are a few key reasons brown roaches may have infested your home:

Access points

Brown roaches are adept at finding ways to enter homes. Some common access points include:

• Cracks and crevices in foundation
• Gaps around windows, doors, pipes, vents
• Openings where utilities enter the home
• Loose fitting drains or sinks

Roaches squeeze through amazingly small spaces to gain entry. Closing potential access points can help keep them out.

Moisture

Brown roaches thrive in damp conditions. They are attracted to moisture sources such as leaky pipes, standing water, and damp basements and crawlspaces. Fixing leaks and reducing moisture can help make your home less attractive.

Food and water

Roaches forage for food and water. They can survive on tiny amounts of scraps, grease, soap scum, and other organic matter. Keeping the home free of clutter and food debris provides less nourishment sources.

Nearby populations

Established roach populations nearby, such as in sewers, can lead to infestations inside. Roaches may migrate indoors for food and shelter, especially as seasons change.

Carried in items

Roaches and roach egg cases can inadvertently be brought into the home in boxes, grocery bags, and other items. Inspecting objects thoroughly before bringing them inside can help prevent this.

Difficult to fully eradicate

Roaches reproduce quickly and can be challenging to fully eliminate once an infestation is underway. Any remaining roaches can regenerate the population. Vigilance is required to prevent recurrence.

Are brown roaches dangerous?

Although not directly dangerous themselves, brown roaches can pose health risks in several ways:

• Saliva, droppings, and shed skins contain allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or asthma
• Known to spread bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli
• May pick up disease organisms on their bodies that transfer to food and surfaces
• Associated with unsanitary conditions

Roach presence, especially in large numbers, indicates unsanitary conditions conducive to bacteria growth. Reducing roach populations helps create a cleaner home.

How to get rid of brown roaches

Eliminating brown roaches involves a multi-pronged approach focused on making the home inhospitable. Key steps include:

Inspection and sanitation

Thoroughly inspect to find conditions attracting roaches. Eliminate access to food, water, and shelter. Fix plumbing leaks. Reduce clutter and keep surfaces clean.

Sealing access points

Seal cracks, crevices, and openings that may allow roach entry. Steel wool, caulk, weatherstripping, and screens can help.

Traps and baits

Use roach baits and traps throughout the home. Concentrate in infested areas and potential problem spots. Look for versions containing boric acid, abamectin, or hydramethylnon as active ingredients.

Insect growth regulators

Insect growth regulator products disrupt the roach life cycle and reproduction. Helps control populations over time.

Natural repellents

Catnip, mint, bay leaves, and diatomaceous earth can deter roaches without toxic chemicals.

Professional treatment

For serious infestations, fumigation or professional insecticide treatment may be needed. This reaches hidden areas and fully eliminates roaches.

Prevention

Continued diligence keeps roaches away once eliminated. Address moisture issues, seal entries, use traps and baits, and keep the home clean.

Signs of a brown roach infestation

Watch for these signs that indicate brown roaches may be present:

• Seeing live roaches, especially larger ones at night
• Small brownish egg cases
• Molted roach skins and excrement droppings
• Rancid, sweet chemical odor
• Bits of consumed food around appliances
• Damage to book bindings or wallpapers

Noticing these signs means roaches have likely established themselves and reproducing within the home. Taking prompt action at the first signs of infestation will help control the situation.

Preventing future brown roach infestations

Prevention is key to keeping roaches out long-term. Recommended preventive measures include:

• Inspect for and seal any cracks and openings that allow entry
• Fix plumbing leaks and reduce moisture sources
• Eliminate food debris, grease, and clutter
• Store food in sealed containers, not open bags
• Routinely clean under appliances and hidden spaces
• Fix overflows and drips in sink, tubs, and pipes
• Have a professional pest control treatment annually
• Avoid bringing in used boxes and bags without inspection
• Use roach traps and baits preventively
• Keep trash and recycling contained and removed regularly

Stopping roaches before they gain a foothold is most effective. If roaches do show up, act quickly to knock down populations.

Home remedies to get rid of brown roaches

For minor roach issues, some homemade remedies can help deter or kill roaches:

Borax

The mineral borax damages the roaches’ exoskeleton. Sprinkle borax along baseboards, under appliances, and in closets.

Baking soda

Baking soda also disrupts the waxy roach exoskeleton. Lightly dust baking soda in problem areas.

Catnip, bay leaves, pepper

These natural botanicals contain compounds roaches dislike or irritate them. Sprinkle around the home.

Diatomaceous earth

The sharp edges of this chalky powder damage the roaches’ body and absorbs waxes on their exoskeleton.

Vinegar or lemon juice

Wipe down surfaces with vinegar or lemon juice. The acidity repels roaches.

Seal cracks and holes

Seal any openings into the home using caulk, steel wool, weatherstripping, or other supplies.

Home remedies should be used along with sanitation and moisture reduction. For serious infestations, contact a pest control professional.

When to call a professional exterminator about roaches

If you have significant roach issues, professional help may be needed. Consider calling an exterminator if you see:

• Large numbers of roaches, indicating a severe infestation
• Roaches continue appearing despite thorough cleaning and home remedies
• Roaches in kitchens, dining areas, and food prep surfaces
• Evidence roaches are living and breeding inside appliances
• Roach droppings and cast skins in heavy concentrations
• Roaches present even after sealing cracks thoroughly

Professional exterminators have access to specialized products and methods homeowners cannot use themselves. Fumigation reaches hidden nests deep in walls and appliances.

Brown roach extermination methods

Professional exterminators may use these treatments to eliminate brown roaches:

Insecticide sprays

Powerful liquid sprays are applied into cracks, crevices, corners, under appliances, and hidden spaces where roaches harbor.

Dust insecticides

Fine dusts containing boric acid or diatomaceous earth are blown into out of sight spaces through small openings.

Baits and traps

Toxic bait gels, powders, and traps are placed throughout the home. Roaches eat the bait and bring it back to nests.

Insect growth regulators

These regulate roach hormones and prevent nymphs from developing into adults. Helps break lifecycle.

Fumigation

For severe, embedded infestations, fumigation tenting and releasing insecticidal gas permeates the entire home to kill roaches.

Most professional roach treatments involve a combination of methods for thorough control. Preventive services are also offered.

How much does professional roach removal cost?

The cost to get rid of roaches professionally depends on the size of the home and extent of the infestation. Average roach extermination costs:

Single room	$125 – $350
Small house or apartment	$300 – $800
Average house	$500 – $1,500
Large house	$700 – $2,000+

Fumigation for serious infestations costs $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Getting roach issues under control at first signs is most affordable.

What factors affect the cost?

• Size of home
• Level of infestation
• Type of treatment needed
• Amount of preparation required
• Geographic location
• Special challenges requiring added effort

Complex jobs or large homes with entrenched roach populations cost more. Preventive services are cheaper than elimination.

Conclusion

Brown roaches can be alarming house guests. But understanding why they are present, along with an integrated pest management approach, can help eliminate them. Fixing moisture issues, sealing access points, removing food sources, and working with a professional exterminator are key tactics. Stopping roaches quickly at first signs keeps populations from spiraling out of control. With diligence and thorough treatment, your home can be roach-free.