Why You Keep Seeing Roaches (Even If You’re Clean)
You walk into your kitchen. You flick on the light. A roach darts under the stove.
Gross. But why is it happening?
You’re clean. You wipe everything down. You don’t leave food out.
So what gives?
The truth is, it’s not always your fault. Roaches can come from your neighbors. They can sneak in through pipes, vents, or even your front door. If you’re renting, that’s a bigger problem. You might be dealing with roaches in apartment because of building-wide issues. Not just your own space.
Let’s break it down.
Why Roaches Love Apartments
Apartments are the perfect breeding ground for cockroaches.
Here’s why:
- Shared walls and pipes let them travel between units.
- Old buildings often have cracks, holes, and gaps.
- High tenant turnover means different cleanliness habits.
- Management may delay pest control to save costs.
Even if you’re spotless, your next-door neighbor might not be. If one unit gets roaches, others can too. That’s the nature of multifamily housing.
What Roaches Need to Survive
Roaches only need three things:
- Food
- Water
- Shelter
That’s it. And they’re not picky. Crumbs, pet food, water under the fridge, a stack of old mail—all of it works. They can live behind walls, in drains, under cabinets, inside electronics.
They only come out when it’s quiet. That’s why you mostly see them at night. Or when you abruptly illuminate a room.
They require very little room to survive. A roach can squeeze through a gap as small as 1/16 inch. That’s the width of a credit card edge.
Signs You’ve Got Roaches (Even If You Haven’t Seen One Yet)
Sometimes, you won’t see roaches at all.
But they leave clues.
Look for:
- Small waste pellets resembling dark spices or coffee particles
- Smear marks near baseboards or under sinks
- Egg casings (oval, brown, and about ¼ inch long)
- A musty, oily smell in cabinets or drawers
- Shed skins as they grow
When you spot these signs, respond quickly. Roaches multiply quickly. A single female can lay hundreds of eggs.
Why Your Landlord Might Be Responsible
Across numerous regions, property owners must legally ensure habitable living conditions. That includes being free from pest infestations.
Roaches aren’t just annoying—they’re a health risk. They carry bacteria. Their droppings can trigger asthma. They contaminate surfaces and food.
If you’ve told your landlord and they’ve done nothing? That’s a problem. You might have legal options.
Tenants have rights. You may be entitled to:
- Free extermination
- Temporary relocation
- Rent reduction or reimbursement
- Lease termination without penalty
Record all evidence. Capture images. Maintain complaint history. Greater documentation strengthens your position.
What To Do Right Now
Don’t wait.
Start with these steps immediately:
- Clean everything. Vacuum floors, wipe counters, take out trash daily.
- Seal all food. Use airtight containers. Roaches can chew through cardboard.
- Fix water leaks. Even small drips attract them.
- Close up cracks. Use caulk or steel wool around pipes, baseboards, and outlets.
- Empty pet food bowls at night. Don’t leave them out.
For tenants, alert your property owner through written communication. Email is fine. Just make sure it’s documented. Include photos if you can.
When to Call Pest Control
If you’re seeing more than one roach a week, or signs they’re nesting?
It’s time to bring in professionals.
DIY sprays and traps only go so far. They kill the ones you see, not the hundreds you don’t. A pest control company can:
- Find hidden entry points
- Identify nesting spots
- Use stronger, building-safe treatments
- Offer follow-up visits
If your landlord won’t help, you might need to front the cost, but you could be reimbursed later if you take legal action.
Natural Roach Repellents That Work
Want to go chemical-free?
Here are some natural roach deterrents that actually work:
- Diatomaceous earth (DE): Sprinkle in cracks and under appliances. It cuts roach exoskeletons and dehydrates them.
- Bay leaves: Roaches hate the smell. Place several inside storage spaces and cabinets.
- Natural extracts: Mint, eucalyptus, and tea tree essence help deter cockroaches. Combine with water for a spray solution.
- Borax and sugar: Mix 1:1. Sugar lures them. Borax kills them. Keep away from pets.
These won’t fix an infestation, but they can reduce activity. Use them alongside cleaning and sealing up entry points.
How to Talk to Your Landlord
This part matters.
Be calm. Be clear. Be firm.
Here’s a script:
Hi [Landlord’s Name], I’ve recently noticed signs of a roach infestation in my unit (photos attached). I’ve kept the unit clean and believe the issue may be coming from other parts of the building. Please arrange for professional pest control as soon as possible. I’d like a written confirmation of when this will be addressed. Thank you.
If they ignore you?
Send a follow-up. Then escalate. Call local tenant resources or a housing attorney.
When It’s Time to Get Legal Help
Sometimes, roaches aren’t just a nuisance. They’re part of a larger problem.
If you’ve:
- Reported the issue
- Cleaned everything
- Tried to manage it yourself
- Been ignored or brushed off
Then it’s time to get legal backup.
A tenant rights attorney can walk you through next steps. They might submit official correspondence, register grievances, or pursue legal action. You shouldn’t face this situation by yourself.
You’re entitled to healthy, sanitary living conditions.
Final Thoughts
Roaches are persistent. But they’re not unbeatable.
Don’t blame yourself. Even the cleanest homes can get them, especially in apartments where walls, vents, and pipes connect everyone.
Take action early. Document everything. Know your rights. And if your landlord isn’t stepping up? You’ve got options.Start with understanding the legal steps you can take. If you’re facing roaches in apartment situation, don’t wait—get help now.