Seal cracks and eliminate moisture sources

What to Do

Caulk cracks around plumbing penetrations, baseboards, and cabinets. Seal gaps around pipes entering walls. Install door sweeps. Screen floor drains (important for American and Oriental cockroaches entering from sewers). Fix all water leaks and eliminate condensation.

Why It Works

Cockroaches need moisture, food, and shelter. Sealing cracks removes shelter (harborage) and blocks entry from adjacent units or outdoors. Eliminating moisture is especially critical for Oriental cockroaches, which prefer cool, damp environments like basements and crawlspaces. Penn State Extension states that chemical control alone is the least effective method — exclusion and sanitation are essential.

Tips

• In apartments, cockroaches migrate between units through shared wall voids and plumbing chases — seal every penetration
• Fix dripping faucets and sweating pipes promptly
• Ensure bathroom exhaust fans work to reduce humidity
• This is a permanent solution that reduces all pest pressure, not just cockroaches