Cockroaches love to hide in dark, moist places. They are often found near garbage cans, drains, and other dark, secluded areas. You may not notice them during the day, but at night, they come out to forage for food.
There are different types of roaches, but the most common one is the German cockroaches. They’re small, brown, and have two dark stripes on their backs. If you see one of these in your yard, there is likely more hiding nearby.
This article will uncover the various types of roaches, why they’re drawn to yards at night, and how to get rid of them.
Common Types of Roaches You May Find In the Yard
Apart from the German cockroach, there are other cockroaches that you can find in your yard. These are:
American Cockroach
The American cockroach is the largest type of cockroach. They’re dark brown or reddish-brown and have a yellow band on their back. These cockroaches are mostly found in sewers and drains.
Oriental Cockroach
Also known as the waterbug, they’re dark brown or black and have glossy bodies. They’re commonly found in damp areas like basements and sewers.
Brown-Banded Cockroach
The brown-banded cockroach is similar to the German cockroach: Small, brown, and has two dark stripes on its back. These cockroaches are mostly found in homes and businesses.
Reasons Why You See Roaches in the Yard at Night
There are some reasons why you may see cockroaches in your yard at night. And unless you get rid of the source of the problem, they’ll keep coming back. So let’s look at some of the most common reasons for cockroaches in your yard.
Food Sources:
Cockroaches are attracted to food. If you have a lot of food waste in your yard, that can attract cockroaches. They’ll come out at night to feed on the food scraps. To get rid of them, you need to remove their food source.
The food source in your yard could be anything from pet food to fallen fruit. If you have a compost pile, that can also attract cockroaches.
Water Sources:
Roaches can go for weeks without food but only a few days without water. If you have a water source in your yard, that can attract cockroaches. Find and repair any leaks in your yard, and remove any standing water. Once the water sources have been removed, the cockroaches will ultimately die.
Hiding Places:
As we mentioned, cockroaches like to hide in dark, moist places. If your yard has gaps, cracks, or holes, cockroaches can easily hide there during the day.
These hiding places are generally damp and moist, making it ideal for cockroaches to hide in your yard. Find and seal their hiding places to keep roaches out of your yard.
Cockroaches are Nocturnal:
One of the main reasons you see roaches in your yard at night is that they’re nocturnal creatures. They come out at night to feed and then return to their hiding place during the day.
Top Tips to Get Rid of Cockroaches in the Yard
As soon as you spot a cockroach in your yard, you need to get rid of them immediately. The longer you wait, the more time they’ll have to lay eggs and multiply. Use the following tips to get rid of cockroaches in your yard:
Get rid of their food source:
The first step is to remove their food source. If you have a compost pile, make sure it’s properly sealed. Also, pick up any fallen fruit and remove pet food from your yard.
Fix any leaks:
The next step is to repair any leaks in your yard. That includes fixing any dripping taps or faucets.
Remove their hiding places:
The third step is to remove their hiding places. That means sealing any cracks, gaps, or holes in your yard.
Apply insecticide:
The fourth step is to apply an insecticide to kill the cockroaches. Make sure to follow the directions on the label.
Call a pest control company:
If you’re still seeing cockroaches in your yard, it’s time to call a pest control company. They have the experience and expertise to get rid of cockroaches for good.
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