I just learned the best ways to keep roaches out of your kitchen — and they actually work

1. Know what you’re dealing with

Before you can keep cockroaches out, it helps to recognize them. In U.S. homes, the most common culprits are German cockroaches — small, light brown, and fond of living indoors. Other types, like American or Oriental roaches, are larger and usually come in from outside.

German roaches breed quickly and can squeeze through tiny cracks to find food and warmth. They’re especially drawn to dark, damp areas: under sinks, behind appliances, and inside cabinets.

Knowing where they hide helps you focus your cleaning and prevention efforts where it matters most. If you ever see one during the day, it’s a sign there may already be more hiding somewhere nearby.

2. Keep your kitchen spotless

Roaches will eat just about anything — crumbs, grease, even cardboard. Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and wash dishes promptly instead of leaving them in the sink overnight.

Clean spills right away, and make sure no food scraps or residue are left behind. Toss out trash regularly and rinse recyclables before putting them in the bin. The less food scent lingering around, the fewer reasons roaches have to visit.

Regularly cleaning under your fridge, stove, and toaster, places people often forget, helps eliminate hidden crumbs that attract pests.

3. Reduce humidity and fix leaks

Cockroaches thrive in moist, humid environments. To keep them away, fix any dripping faucets, leaky pipes, or condensation under sinks. In naturally damp areas, consider using a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels low. Our best dehumidifiers guide can help you find the right one for your home.

Even small puddles or damp dishcloths can attract them, so make sure your kitchen stays dry — especially overnight. Aim to keep humidity below 50% if possible.

You can also improve airflow by opening windows occasionally or running an exhaust fan when cooking, which helps prevent moisture from building up in hidden corners.

4. Seal up food containers and entry points

Roaches can chew through thin plastic, paper, or cardboard. Use airtight glass or hard plastic containers to store dry goods, and always close bags tightly. This keeps your food safe and prevents the scent from spreading.

It’s also worth sealing small entry points around your kitchen — gaps under doors, cracks in baseboards, or spaces where pipes enter the wall. A tube of caulk or some weather stripping can go a long way toward keeping pests out.

If you live in an older home, check behind the stove and under the sink, where gaps often go unnoticed.

5. Check what you bring home

Sometimes cockroaches hitch a ride in deliveries, groceries, or secondhand items. Before bringing boxes or packages into your kitchen, inspect them for small dark bugs or droppings. If you spot any, take the item outside immediately and dispose of it safely.

Avoid storing cardboard boxes or paper bags in warm, dark areas like cupboards or pantries — they make perfect hiding spots for roaches. When unpacking groceries, give produce and containers a quick look before putting them away. A few seconds of checking can prevent a much bigger problem later.

6. Try natural repellents or safe treatments

If you live in an area where roaches are common, it’s worth adding a line of defense. Natural options like peppermint oil, tea tree oil, or cedarwood oil can act as mild repellents — just mix a few drops with water and spray around baseboards and under sinks. These scents are unpleasant to insects but safe for most homes.

Another option is diatomaceous earth, a natural powder that dehydrates insects. Sprinkle it lightly in cracks or behind appliances, then vacuum it up after a few days. For stronger treatment, boric acid can work too — just handle it carefully and keep it away from pets and children.

You can also try sticky traps to monitor activity and catch stray roaches before they multiply.

7. Know when to call a pro

If you keep spotting roaches or find droppings and egg casings, it’s time to bring in pest control. Professionals can identify where the infestation started and treat it safely using targeted methods that last longer than DIY sprays.

They can also advise you on how to prevent future infestations, sealing potential entry points and identifying hotspots you might have missed. Getting expert help early saves time, stress, and money in the long run.