8 Things You Didn’t Know Roaches Love

Roaches aren’t picky. They’ll go after anything that gives them food, water, or shelter—and it’s not always the obvious stuff. You already know they like crumbs and standing water, but there are plenty of everyday items they’re surprisingly drawn to.

Some of it might be sitting out right now without you realizing it’s inviting trouble. If roaches keep showing up no matter how clean you keep things, one of these might be part of the problem.

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard is like a five-star hotel for roaches. It gives them a dark, warm space to hide, and if it gets even slightly damp, they’ll start chewing on it too. Storage areas filled with stacked boxes are prime real estate for them.

If you’re keeping anything in cardboard for long-term storage, especially in closets, basements, or garages, it’s worth switching to sealed plastic bins. Roaches love paper products more than you’d think.

Grease Residue Around the Stove

Even if you clean the counters, that greasy film that builds up behind or under the stove is a big draw for roaches. It’s rich in fats, and they don’t mind if it’s old or sticky.

Take a minute every so often to pull your stove out and wipe down the sides and floor beneath it. That built-up grime may not bother you much, but it’s a magnet for pests that feed off leftovers most people don’t even consider food.

Pet Food and Water Bowls

Roaches are more than happy to snack on your pet’s kibble. If you leave food or water out overnight, that’s an open buffet for any nearby bugs. Dry food crumbs and leftover moisture are both high on their list.

Try to feed your pet on a set schedule and clean up any leftovers when they’re done. Wipe around the bowl, too—those little bits that fall off are enough to attract roaches.

Soap and Toothpaste

You wouldn’t think personal care items would interest roaches, but they’ll eat soap and toothpaste when food is scarce. The fats and sugars in some products are enough to keep them coming back.

Keep your bathroom clean and store products with the lids on tight. Wipe up spills around the sink or shower since even residue can be enough to tempt a hungry bug.

Crumbs in Drawers and Cabinets

It’s easy to miss the crumbs that fall into kitchen drawers, especially around silverware or baking tools. But roaches are great at finding those tiny bits and hiding in tight spaces to eat them in peace.

Take everything out of your drawers every so often and give them a good vacuum or wipe down. Roaches love hidden food and the quiet shelter of closed cabinets.

Dirty Dishwater

You might think you’re soaking a dish to make cleaning easier, but to a roach, that’s dinner and drinks. Leftover food particles floating in warm water? That’s their ideal setup.

If you can’t wash something right away, at least rinse it thoroughly. Don’t leave full sinks overnight unless you want to risk roaches treating it like their own private soup kitchen.

Trash Can Liners and Spills

Even when the bag is changed, the inside of a trash can might still hold crumbs, leaks, or sticky residue. Roaches are drawn to those smells and will crawl right in for a taste.

Rinse and clean your trash cans regularly, especially the kitchen one. If something spills or leaks, wipe it out sooner rather than later. That lingering smell could be what’s bringing bugs inside.

Paper Piles and Mail Stacks

Roaches love paper—especially if it’s tucked away and not touched often. Stacks of old mail, magazines, or receipts can become nesting material and, in some cases, even a food source if moisture is involved.

Keep paper clutter to a minimum, especially in warm or humid areas of your home. Recycle what you don’t need, and store important papers in sealed containers instead of open piles.

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