Have you noticed cockroaches in or around your home lately? If so, you’re not alone. Although cockroaches are active year-round in Phoenix, Tucson, and throughout Southern Arizona, the intense heat has these nasty bugs on the move – indoors! In this blog post, we’ll explain why property owners are more likely to see cockroaches in the summer and how excessive heat only increases the chances of a cockroach problem!

cockroach crawling over dirty dishes in the sink

But first, what types of cockroaches are common in Arizona

Unfortunately for property owners in Arizona, there is more than one type of cockroach to take notice of.  Here are the ones that often infest homes in our area:

Why Arizona residents see an increase in roach activity every summer

Although cockroaches are more active in the summer in the Phoenix and Tucson metros, it should be noted that this behavior is not specific to these areas alone. That said, here are a few reasons why cockroach activity increases during the summer months:

  • They’re looking for relief from the heat
    Cockroaches are cold-blooded insects, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. When it’s hot outside, they’re likely to seek out cooler places indoors.  
  • They’re searching for food
    Cockroaches are scavengers and will feed on various organic materials, including leftover food and debris. Hot weather can increase the decomposition rate of organic matter, providing more food sources for cockroaches. As a result, they may become more active and venture out in search of sustenance.
  • They need water
    In hot weather, cockroaches require more water to survive. They are attracted to moisture-rich areas, such as leaky pipes, damp crawl spaces, or areas with condensation. During dry and hot periods, cockroaches may venture out in search of water sources, making them more visible.

Hot weather also increases their reproduction rate

Cockroaches are prolific breeders and reproduce quickly. They have short lifecycles, and hot temperatures can accelerate their reproductive cycle, leading to larger populations during the summer months.

Preventing cockroaches this summer and all year long

To keep cockroaches out of your home, our team of pest control specialists recommend the following cockroach prevention tips:

  • Keep your home clean, especially areas where food particles can attract these pests
  • Store food in sealed, glass containers
  • Dispose of trash indoors regularly and use outdoor bins that have tight-fitting lids
  • Fix leaks and moistures issues
  • Seal entry points with caulking, weatherstripping, and other material that will stop pests from entering
  • Don’t leave standing water in the kitchen sink
  • Declutter and organize closets and your whole house to eliminate potential hiding spots

What to do if you see a cockroach (or cockroaches) in your home

If you’ve spotted cockroaches in the bathroom or found them crawling around in your kitchen or elsewhere in your home, reach out to Northwest Exterminating for relief.   

Providing the best home pest control services in Phoenix and Tucson as well as throughout Southern Arizona, you can count on our fully licensed and experienced pest control specialists to exterminate your cockroach problem!