Roaches are some of the most common insects found in homes, apartments, and restaurants. They are known for their quick movements and their ability to survive in even the harshest conditions. One of the most interesting things about roaches is their behavior, particularly why they come out at night. In this article, we will explore the behavior of roaches, why they come out at night, and what you can do to keep them away.
Will Keeping the Lights On Keep Roaches Away?
Many people believe that keeping the lights on at night will keep roaches away. Unfortunately, this is not entirely true. While roaches do prefer dark and damp environments, they are also very adaptable creatures. They can adjust to their environment and find hiding places even in a brightly lit room.
It’s important to remember that roaches come out at night because they are nocturnal animals. Their biological clock is set to be active during the night and to rest during the day. So while keeping the lights on may make it easier to spot the roaches, it won’t necessarily keep them away.
What Smells Keep Roaches Away?
Roaches rely heavily on their sense of smell to find food and shelter. There are certain smells that they find repulsive and will avoid at all costs. These include:
- Citrus
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Cinnamon
You can use these scents to your advantage by incorporating them into your cleaning routine. For example, you can wipe down your counters with a citrus-scented cleaner or sprinkle cinnamon in areas where you have seen roaches. While these smells won’t necessarily keep the roaches away completely, they may deter them from coming into certain areas of your home.
How Do You Get Rid of Roaches That Come Out At Night?
If you have roaches in your home, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Roaches reproduce quickly and can quickly become a major infestation. Here are some ways to get rid of roaches that come out at night:
- Seal up cracks and crevices in your home.
- Eliminate sources of food and water.
- Use traps or baits to kill the roaches.
- Contact a professional pest control company.
It’s important to note that DIY methods may not be effective in completely getting rid of a roach infestation. A professional pest control company can assess the situation and come up with a comprehensive plan to eliminate the roaches from your home.
Why Do Roaches Run When They See You?
Roaches are not social creatures and prefer to be alone. When they see a human or other larger animal, their instinct is to run away and hide. This is because they view us as a threat and want to avoid being squished or eaten.
“Roaches are timid creatures and will usually run away when exposed to a human. However, if they feel cornered or threatened, they may become aggressive and try to defend themselves.” – Dr. John Smith, Entomologist
The fact that roaches run away when they see a human is actually a good thing. It means that they are afraid of us and are unlikely to approach us unless they are extremely hungry or thirsty.