What This Blog Covers
- What cockroaches eat inside and outside homes
- Food sources that attract roaches in NorCal
- Non-food items roaches eat
- Why cockroaches keep coming back even in clean homes
- Simple ways homeowners can reduce roach food sources
- When professional pest control is the best solution
Common Foods That Attract Cockroaches in Sacramento Homes
Starches & Sugars (Their Favorite Targets)
Roaches eat carbohydrates and sugar-rich foods, including:
- Bread, pasta, cereal, and crackers
- Pastries and baked goods
- Spilled juice, soda, or sticky residues
Even crumbs tucked behind appliances are enough to sustain them.
Proteins & Fats
Grease and protein sources are another major attraction:
- Meat scraps and food residue
- Cheese, eggs, and beans
- Cooking grease on stovetops and backsplashes
This is why roaches are commonly found behind stoves and refrigerators.
Pet Food (A Hidden Problem)
Pet food is one of the most overlooked roach attractants:
- Bowls left out overnight
- Open bags of kibble
- Improperly stored treats
In many Northern California homes, pet food alone can support an ongoing roach problem.
Non-Food Items Cockroaches Will Eat
When food is limited, roaches don’t leave — they adapt.
They’ll feed on:
- Cardboard boxes, paper towels, and book bindings
- Wallpaper paste and glue
- Soap, toothpaste, and personal care residue
- Hair, skin flakes, and fingernails
This explains why roaches can survive even in homes that appear clean.
Outdoor Food Sources That Drive Roaches Indoors
Our climate allows roaches to thrive outdoors much of the year. Common outdoor attractants include:
- Unsealed trash and compost bins
- Fallen fruit from trees
- Bird seed and pet food
- Moist organic debris around foundations
- Pet waste in the yard
When outdoor food sources become scarce or when weather conditions fluctuate, roaches move indoors.
The Real Reason Roaches Are So Hard to Control
Cockroaches aren’t picky eaters. They’re omnivores with survival instincts that allow them to feed on food scraps, household materials, trash, and even non-food items when necessary.
That adaptability is exactly why infestations can linger and why DIY treatments often fall short without professional help.
How to Make Your Home Less Appealing to Roaches
Sacramento and Northern California’s climate can encourage roach activity year-round. These steps help break their food chain and protect your home:
1. Keep Surfaces Clean
Wipe up crumbs, grease, and spills on counters, floors, and tables. Roaches are opportunists—they thrive in areas where food residues accumulate.
2. Store Food Properly
Use airtight containers for cereal, pasta, snacks, and pet food. This simple step drastically reduces roaches’ access to meals.
3. Manage Trash
Use trash bins with tight-fitting lids, line them with sturdy bags, and take out garbage regularly. We also recommend cleaning bins periodically to eliminate lingering food odors.
4. Mind Pet Food
Don’t leave pet food out overnight. Clean bowls after feeding and store dry kibble in sealed containers.
5. Declutter Regularly
Roaches love hiding among clutter. Keep cabinets, closets, and under furniture clean and organized.
6. Inspect & Seal Food Storage Areas
Check pantries, shelves, and cabinets for cracks or gaps. Use caulk or weatherstripping to block entry points.
7. Clean Appliances
Roaches often hide behind stoves, refrigerators, and toasters. Pull appliances out periodically to remove crumbs and grease.
8. Watch Outdoor Areas
Keep outdoor trash bins sealed, pick up fallen fruit or birdseed, and trim plants to remove potential food sources for roaches.
Why Professional Cockroach Control Makes a Difference
Even with careful cleaning, cockroach problems can persist. Here at Big Time Pest Control, we offer comprehensive pest control services in Sacramento, Anderson, Redding, and throughout Northern California. Our locally owned and family-operated pest control company utilizes proven methods to effectively exterminate cockroaches, regardless of the severity of the infestation. Our experts will:
- Identify roach species in your home
- Treat the infestation, targeting all life cycles
- Implement an ongoing plan to keep these pests (and others) out
Roaches aren’t just a nuisance; they can carry bacteria, trigger allergies, and spread disease. Combining daily habits with professional pest control ensures long-term protection for your home and family.
Stay Ahead of Roaches
Understanding what roaches eat and where they hide gives you a significant advantage. Keep your home clean, store food properly, and sign up for ongoing home pest control services with Big Time Pest Control!
Contact our local pest control team today for a free consultation if you’ve spotted signs of cockroaches or simply want to ensure your house remains cockroach-free year-round.
This blog was originally published on August 8, 2024; it has been updated to include new information.
