Where do roaches live?

Roaches live around the world but are most common in tropical and subtropical climates. Pest species are attracted to human habitations by warmth and readily available food.

There are about 4,600 species of roaches, but only four are major household pests. Roaches are omnivorous scavengers that are usually active at night. During the day, they hide in cracks and crevices.

Keeping food in sealed containers, repairing water leaks, sealing entry points and frequently cleaning makes houses less attractive to roaches. Controlling roaches in houses is important, as roaches can spread diseases and also trigger allergies or asthma in sensitive individuals.