10 Things Roaches Love to Hide In
Roaches aren’t picky—they’ll tuck themselves into tight, dark, warm places and set up camp before you even know they’re there. The worst part is they don’t need much to thrive. If you’re trying to cut down on where they might be lurking, these are the spots they love most.
Cardboard Boxes
Roaches love cardboard. It’s warm, absorbent, and gives them a food source and hiding place all in one. That’s why garages, pantries, and closets with stacked boxes are prime real estate.
Swap cardboard for plastic bins with lids wherever you can. It helps cut off both access and breeding spots.
Paper Clutter
Stacks of mail, newspapers, or forgotten magazines are basically roach gold. The paper gives them shelter and something to chew on.
Keep surfaces clear and toss or shred paper you don’t need. If you’re storing documents, seal them in something airtight.
Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers
The gaps between your dishes or under the sink are perfect hiding spots—especially if there’s food or moisture nearby.
Wipe crumbs out of drawers and under appliances often. And don’t ignore that slow leak under the sink—it’s giving them a water source.
Microwave Vents and Motor Housing
Roaches love the warmth from appliances, and your microwave is a top contender. They can squeeze in through the vent or gaps around the plug.
If your microwave smells weird or you spot one darting out when it’s on, check it out. Pull it and clean behind it regularly.
Behind the Fridge
The back of the fridge is dark, warm, and usually dusty with crumbs and moisture. Roaches can hide behind the panel or even in the motor compartment.
Vacuum behind and under it every month or two. It’s one of their favorite long-term hiding zones.
Toaster and Coffee Maker
Crumbs and moisture in small appliances? That’s all a roach needs. If your toaster has buildup in the tray or your coffee maker stays damp, they’ll move in.
Empty, wipe down, and let them dry out after each use. And don’t forget the inside of that drip tray.
Trash Can Lids and Liners
Even if you take the trash out often, roaches love the edges and grooves of lids and can liners—especially if food sticks or liquids collect there.
Clean the inside and outside of your trash can regularly. And make sure the lid seals tight at night.
Pantry Cracks and Corners
Open food bags, spilled sugar, and tiny gaps in your shelves are all fair game. Roaches can fit into gaps the width of a dime.
Store food in sealed containers and check for any shelf liner crumbs or spills that got missed.
Bathroom Cabinets
Bathrooms may not have food, but the moisture makes them attractive. Roaches will hide behind toilets, inside vanities, and around pipe cutouts.
Check for gaps around pipes and add some caulk where needed. Keep the area under sinks dry and clean.
Pet Food Storage
Open bags of kibble left on the floor are a roach buffet. Even sealed containers can attract them if the rim or scoop area stays dirty.
Wipe down storage bins and clean food and water bowls every night. Roaches come out when the lights go off.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
