Who doesn’t hate the sight of a cockroach? These pesky little bugs seem to come out of nowhere and can be incredibly difficult to get rid of. But why do they prefer to come out at night?
By nature, cockroaches are nocturnal creatures. This means that they are most active during the night when it is dark.
If they come out during the morning, they are usually hiding in dark corners or crevices, away from sunlight and other light sources.
Dirty, gross, and dangerous – roaches are known to be carriers of disease and filth. They are often found in areas where there is a lot of garbage or food waste.
Cockroaches are attracted to these areas because they provide them with an easy source of food. They will also often build their nests in these places, which can make getting rid of them even more difficult.
It’s no wonder that people want to know why roaches come out at night because it seems like these creatures are only active when we’re trying to sleep. However, there are actually a few reasons for this nocturnal activity.
Roaches Hide During the Day Because They’re Vulnerable to Predators
While cockroaches may be one of the most feared pests, they are actually quite vulnerable to predators. Birds, lizards, and even some mammals will prey on roaches.
This is why these creatures prefer to stay hidden during the day when there are more potential predators around.
Just like many other animals, roaches are also temperature sensitive. They prefer warm temperatures and will often come out at night when it is cooler. This allows them to avoid the heat of the day and reduces their risk of being eaten by predators.
Roaches Need Moisture and Darkness to Survive
Another reason that roaches come out at night is that they need moisture to survive. Cockroaches will often drink water from puddles or other sources of standing water.
They also prefer dark, humid environments. This is why you’re more likely to find them in your bathroom or kitchen than in other parts of your home. Dark, moist areas also provide roaches with a safe place to hide from predators.
Cockroaches Are Attracted to Light
While roaches prefer dark environments, they are actually attracted to light. This is why you often see them running towards a light source when you turn on the lights in a room.
They are drawn to the light because they think it is a source of food. However, they will quickly run away from the light once they realize that there is nothing to eat.
The History of Roaches and Their Nocturnal Lifestyle
Cockroaches have been around for millions of years, and their nocturnal lifestyle has evolved over time. In the wild, cockroaches are found in tropical environments where it is warm and humid. These conditions are ideal for them to hide from predators and find food and water.
As cockroaches began to spread to other parts of the world, they adapted to different climates and environments. In colder climates, cockroaches will often hibernate during the winter. In hot, dry environments, they will estivate (a form of dormancy) to avoid the heat.
No matter where they are in the world, cockroaches always prefer dark, moist places. This is why you’re most likely to see them at night when it is cooler, and they can find the moisture they need to survive.
Areas Where Roaches Hide in Your Home
Now that we know some of the possible reasons why we often see roaches at night, looking for them in your home is easier.
These sneaky little pests can squeeze into even the tiniest cracks and crevices. During the night, they’re scurrying around in search of food and water. If you’re dealing with a roach infestation, it’s important to know where they like to hide so you can effectively get rid of them.
Some common places where roaches hide are:
Underneath Sinks
Roaches love dark, moist places, which is often the environment under your sinks. If you’re seeing roaches in your kitchen or bathroom, check to see if there are any water leaks.
Cockroaches are attracted to these areas because they provide an easy source of food and water.
In Cracks and Crevices
As we mentioned before, cockroaches can squeeze into even the tiniest cracks and crevices. This is why it’s important to caulk any cracks or holes in your walls, floors, and ceilings. Roaches are often found in basements because they’re attracted to the cool, damp environment.
In Closets and Drawers
Clothes closets and dresser drawers provide the perfect hiding place for roaches. They’re often dark and undisturbed which is exactly what these pests are looking for.
If you’re seeing roaches in your bedroom, check your closets and dressers for any signs of an infestation.
Behind Appliances
Cockroaches often hide behind appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers. They’re attracted to the heat these appliances give off as well as the food that is often left behind.
If you suspect there are roaches hiding behind your appliances, be sure to clean up any crumbs or spills and thoroughly vacuum the area.
In Drains
There’s no better place for roaches to find food and water than in your drains. These pests are often found in kitchen and bathroom sinks as well as bathtubs and showers. If you see roaches in your drains, you can address this problem by using drain covers and traps.
Underneath Beds and Furniture
Another common hiding place for roaches is underneath beds and furniture. They’re often attracted to the dust and dirt that accumulates in these areas. Not only is this a prime hiding spot for roaches, but it’s also where they lay their eggs.
Inside Attics and Crawl Spaces
Roaches like to stay in places where they can’t be disturbed, and your attics and crawl spaces make an ideal hiding place. These pests are often attracted to the insulation and wood these areas provide.
Final Thoughts
Studies revealed that roaches go out a few hours before midnight during the night because these pests are nocturnal creatures. As they wake up during the night, they come out to scour for food and water.
They are also attracted to moisture, heat, and darkness, which is one of the reasons why you often see them hiding in bathroom sinks, drains, and behind appliances. If you think you have a roach infestation in your home, be sure to check these common hiding spots.
Roach infestations can quickly get out of control if not addressed right away. If you’re struggling to get rid of roaches, contact a pest control professional for help.
