10 Kitchen Habits That Keep Attracting Roaches

If there’s one thing that’ll make your skin crawl in the kitchen, it’s roaches. And once they show up, they don’t leave without a fight. The hard truth is, you might be doing a few things every day that make your kitchen feel like a welcome mat for them.

Roaches don’t need much—just a little moisture, a food crumb here and there, and a dark place to hide. These habits might seem harmless, but they’re the exact reason you keep seeing roaches show up where they don’t belong.

Leaving Dirty Dishes in the Sink

Even if you plan to get to them in the morning, dirty dishes are a buffet for roaches. Food particles, grease, and even leftover liquid at the bottom of a bowl can keep them coming back.

Roaches are mostly nocturnal, so that pile of dishes sits out all night during their prime foraging time. Even a “quick rinse” doesn’t cut it. Try to make a habit of running the dishwasher or washing everything before bed.

Skipping the Crumbs on the Counter

Wiping down the counters isn’t just about looks—it’s about getting rid of food sources. Even tiny crumbs or greasy smears are more than enough for roaches to feed on.

They’re drawn to any trace of food, especially sugar, oils, and starches. Use a degreaser and not just a dry towel. It makes a bigger difference than you think.

Letting Trash Overflow

Roaches love kitchens with trash that’s full or uncovered. Food scraps, napkins, and even empty containers with residue are all attractive to them.

Even if your bin has a lid, they can squeeze in through gaps or feed off the rim. Empty it regularly, especially if it contains any food waste, and wipe down the inside and outside of the can once a week.

Leaving Pet Food Out Overnight

If your pets don’t finish their food, roaches might. Pet food—dry or wet—sits out as an open invitation. It’s full of protein and fat, which makes it an easy target.

Pick up bowls once your dog or cat is done eating, especially before bed. Store the food in a sealed container and avoid keeping bowls too close to walls or dark corners.

Forgetting to Sweep Under Appliances

You might clean the floors often, but if you’re skipping under the stove or fridge, you’re missing one of their favorite hideouts. Roaches love warm, hidden areas—especially when there are old crumbs trapped underneath.

Pull appliances out every so often and give that area a good sweep and mop. It’s one of those things that doesn’t take long but makes a big difference.

Leaving Sponges or Dishcloths Wet

A damp sponge or rag under the sink is like a roach magnet. They don’t just go after food—they’re also drawn to water sources. That leftover moisture is perfect for them.

Wring out sponges, hang cloths to dry, and don’t leave anything sopping wet sitting in a dark cabinet. You might be surprised how fast it cuts down on pests.

Not Sealing Pantry Goods

If you’re rolling the top of a cereal bag and calling it good, you’re giving roaches an easy way in. Anything stored in paper or thin plastic can be chewed through or crawled into.

Use airtight containers for flour, oats, rice, and snacks. It keeps everything fresher and makes your pantry way less appealing to pests. Bonus: it helps keep ants and weevils out too.

Ignoring Sticky Spots

A drip from the syrup bottle, spilled juice under the toaster, or that greasy spot behind the olive oil—roaches notice all of it. Sugar and oil residues are two of their favorite things.

Give special attention to those small sticky areas that tend to go unnoticed. Once a week, do a quick scan of shelves, countertops, and behind your appliances to clean up anything you missed.

Leaving the Sink Wet

Roaches don’t need a bowl of water—they’ll happily drink from the sink. If you’ve got a sink that doesn’t drain completely or holds a bit of water overnight, you’re giving them what they need.

Try wiping out the sink with a dry towel before bed. It’s a tiny extra step, but it removes one of their easiest water sources.

Letting Clutter Build Up

Stacks of paper, unused kitchen gadgets, or junk drawers with crumbs can create easy hiding places. Roaches love dark, undisturbed spots where they can nest and breed.

The fewer places they can hide, the less likely they are to stay. Toss or donate what you don’t use, and keep drawers and shelves cleared out and cleaned regularly.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.