Are Cockroaches Worse In The Summer?

Have you been spotting cockroaches in or around your home more frequently and wondering if it’s just your imagination or an actual increase in cockroach activity this summer? If so, you’re not alone! In fact, property owners in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs as well as across Colorado are battling cockroaches summer and it’s got a lot to do with the temperatures rising. Read on to find out if cockroaches are worse in the summer and if so, why.

Types of cockroaches in Colorado

Before we answer the question posed above, let’s identify the most common types of cockroaches in Colorado.

• German cockroaches
• American cockroaches
• Oriental cockroaches

For detailed information about each roach, please visit our cockroach identification page.

How seasonal changes impact cockroaches

Seasons come and go, bringing with them a variety of changes. But did you know that these shifts also influence the activity levels of cockroaches? As temperatures drop, roach populations noticeably reduce - it's no secret that cockroaches hate cold temperatures.

To escape the inhospitable outdoor conditions, cockroaches will move into homes (and businesses) in search of warmth and shelter. Once they’re found suitable refuge from the harsh winter weather, their survival strategy kicks in, and they become dormant until favorable conditions return.

A rise in temperature triggers resumed growth and increased infestation rates inside our living spaces. Not only does the rise in temperatures revive dormant cockroaches, but it also encourages breeding among existing populations, which as you can imagine, leads to increased numbers during the warmer months.

Yes, cockroaches are worse in the summer

To answer the original question, cockroaches are worse during the summer months. That’s because the leap from spring to summer initiates a significant shift in cockroach behavior. These pests find the warm months of summer particularly conducive. Here’s why:

• The right conditions
  Cockroaches love heat and moisture. They thrive in environments that provide both elements. On hot, dry spells, it’s not uncommon to find them in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas of the home that are warm and humid.
• They’re more active
  Indoors and out, cockroaches are more active during the summer months searching for food, water, and shelter. Cracks, gaps, and openings on the exterior of homes and structures make it easy for cockroaches to move between the environments.
• Food is plentiful
  Cockroaches will eat just about anything from anywhere. We’re talking sewers, dumpsters, and other places that might make your stomach turn. But they also take advantage of our desire to grill out, dine out, and entertain friends and family in our outdoor living spaces or even inside. During the summer months, there’s more likely to be crumbs and spills for them to benefit from.
• Reproduction rates soar
  Like mosquitoes and mice that reproduce quickly, cockroaches are also prolific breeders. When it’s warm outside, their reproduction cycle speeds up, which leads to more cockroaches during the summer months.

Signs of a cockroach problem

Just the thought of having cockroaches in your kitchen or elsewhere in your home can be unsettling. However, recognizing the onset of an infestation swiftly is extremely helpful in preventing a full-blown infestation. Here are some key indicators that you may have roaches lurking about:

• Cockroach sightings
  The most obvious sign of cockroaches is spotting these pests scurrying about. Remember though, roaches are nocturnal creatures and often stay hidden during daylight hours.
• Evidence of shed skins
  A less visible but equally important indicator is finding shed skins. As part of their life cycle, these hardy pests molt multiple times leaving behind exoskeletons as evidence.
• Black smear marks
  Irregular shaped smear marks on wall-floor junctions and other surfaces in areas where there is plenty of moisture are hallmarks of a roach infestation.
• Cockroach droppings
  A large amount of feces that look like tiny pepper specks or miniature pellets is strong indicator of a roach problem.

How do you prevent cockroaches from taking over in the summer?

The best way to deter cockroaches is to maintain a clean home and that includes your outdoor spaces as well. Here are a few cockroach prevention tips to employ this summer:

• Clean dishes immediately after use
• Disinfect kitchen counters every day
• Wipe up crumbs and spills right away
• Vacuum and mop floors often
• Seal food (including pet food) securely within airtight containers
• Dispose of trash promptly
• Fix indoor and outdoor water leaks
• Address moisture issues
• Pick up wet towels off the bathroom floor
• Keep the bathroom clean

In addition to routine cleaning, we highly recommend sealing off all potential entry points and keeping doors and windows shut or screened.

What to do if you discover cockroaches in your Colorado home

If you’ve found live cockroaches or evidence of these vile pests in your home, contact EnviroPest for help! Providing effective home pest control services in Denver and throughout our service area, property owners can rely on our team to exterminate cockroaches this summer and all year round. To get started, simply fill out the form below or give us a shout!

For business owners battling cockroaches learn more about our commercial pest control services here.