Why Roaches Appear in Atlanta Homes During Colder Months

Many people expect roaches to vanish once the weather cools off. In Atlanta, that's not always how it works. Our winters are mild compared with much of the country, and a heated home offers exactly what roaches are looking for: warmth, moisture and shelter.

German roaches don't follow the seasons

German cockroaches live indoors year-round. Your kitchen is the same temperature in January as it is in July, so a German roach problem doesn't slow down just because it's cold outside. If anything, people notice them more in winter because they're spending more time at home.

If you're seeing small roaches in the kitchen or bathroom this time of year, it's most likely a German roach issue that needs a specialized German roach treatment rather than waiting for warmer weather.

Outdoor roaches look for stable shelter

Larger roaches like American and smokybrown cockroaches spend most of their lives outdoors — in mulch, leaf litter, gutters, tree holes and storm drains. As nights get colder, some of them move toward the more stable conditions found in and around homes:

• Crawl spaces and basements
• Attics and wall voids near warm areas
• Water heater closets and laundry rooms
• Garages and storage areas

They're usually less active outside in the coldest weeks, but a few warm days — which Atlanta gets plenty of in winter — can bring them out again.

Heating and plumbing create warm, damp spots

Furnaces, water heaters, dishwashers and plumbing lines create pockets of warmth and moisture. A slow leak under a sink or condensation around pipes in a crawl space can be enough to keep roaches comfortable all winter.

Holiday boxes and deliveries

Fall and winter bring more packages, grocery runs, and boxes coming out of storage. Cardboard is one of the most common ways German roaches hitch a ride into a home. It's a good idea to unpack deliveries promptly and recycle the boxes rather than storing them inside.

What you can do this season

• Fix drips and leaks under sinks and around water heaters
• Keep food and pet food sealed, and don't leave dishes out overnight
• Unpack boxes and get cardboard out of the house quickly
• Check door sweeps and weather stripping as you winterize
• Keep mulch and leaf piles pulled back from the foundation

Don't wait for spring

A small German roach problem in November can become a large one by spring. And outdoor roaches that move inside in winter can become a recurring issue if entry points aren't addressed.

If you're seeing roaches this time of year, we'll identify what you're dealing with and recommend the right approach — whether that's a targeted roach control plan or recurring service. For more on seasonal activity, read why August into fall can be one of the toughest times for roaches in Atlanta.