10 Things in the Garage That Are a Roach Magnet in Summer

Roaches don’t need much to move in—especially once summer heat kicks in. And the garage? It’s one of their favorite hiding spots. It’s warm, dark, and packed with stuff they can eat, nest in, or crawl under.

Even if you keep the main house clean, the garage can still be full of roach invitations without you realizing it. Here’s what they’re drawn to—and what you can do to cut off the welcome.

Cardboard Boxes

Roaches love cardboard. It holds moisture, provides a hiding place, and even gives them something to chew on. If you’ve got boxes stacked in the garage, especially old ones, you’re basically handing them an apartment complex.

Swap those out for plastic bins with tight lids. It’ll keep your stuff cleaner too, since cardboard doesn’t hold up well in heat or humidity anyway.

Pet Food Storage

Leaving pet food bags open—or even sealed ones sitting low to the ground—can attract roaches fast. They’re drawn to the smell and will chew right through a bag if they have to.

Keep pet food in an airtight container, preferably off the floor. Even spilled crumbs around the lid can be enough to keep them hanging around.

Garbage and Recycling

Even if your main trash bin stays in the kitchen, roaches will sniff out anything you throw in the garage—especially cans, bottles, or food packaging.

If you have to keep garbage or recycling out there, make sure the bins seal tight. Don’t let things pile up for days, and rinse food containers before tossing them.

Piles of Old Paper

Newspapers, magazines, and paper clutter can all trap moisture and offer shelter. Roaches are happy to nest in the middle of it, and the longer it sits, the worse it gets.

Go through paper piles often and recycle what you don’t need. Store anything worth keeping in a sealed bin instead of leaving it loose.

Stored Clothing or Linens

Boxes of old clothes, bedding, or towels are prime real estate for roaches. The fabric gives them a place to hide, and if there’s any lingering food scent or moisture, it’s even worse.

If you’re storing fabric in the garage, use vacuum-sealed bags or containers with snap-on lids. And skip the cardboard boxes here too.

Leaky Bottles or Cans

Old paint, oil, or cleaning supplies that drip or leak can attract roaches, especially if they’re water-based or have food-like ingredients. Even something like mop water left in a bucket can be enough.

Check for leaks regularly and store anything liquid up off the floor. If something’s expired or unusable, go ahead and toss it safely.

Leftover Food or Drink

You’d be surprised how many people leave a half-empty drink, fast food bag, or snack wrapper in the garage after working on something. Roaches aren’t picky—they’ll take it all.

Clean up food right away, even if you’re planning to come back later. A few crumbs or drops can be enough to bring them in.

Dark, Cluttered Corners

Roaches want cover. If you’ve got piles of stuff shoved in the corners or under shelves, you’re giving them the exact kind of spot they look for in summer.

Take time to clear those corners out. The more open and airy your garage feels, the less attractive it is to roaches—and lots of other pests too.

Open Drains or Floor Cracks

If your garage has a floor drain, even a dry one, it can become a roach access point. Cracks in the slab or walls can also give them a way in and out.

Seal up cracks with concrete filler and cover drains if possible. Roaches are sneaky, but cutting off entry points makes a huge difference.

Stored Garden Supplies

Potting soil, fertilizer, compost—even the empty bags—can all bring in roaches. These materials hold moisture and often have organic matter roaches like.

Keep them in sealed plastic bins, especially once opened. If you’re storing open soil bags, roll them up tightly and raise them off the floor.

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