Few things send a New Yorker sprinting for the nearest shoe, can of bug spray, or professional pest control service faster than a cockroach sighting. And unfortunately, these pests are as much a part of city life as traffic and bodegas. Whether you’re in an apartment, office, or restaurant, cockroaches are not just unpleasant—they’re unsanitary, persistent, and incredibly difficult to eliminate once they’ve settled in.

So what exactly draws roaches into your space, and more importantly, how do you get rid of them for good?

Why Cockroaches Are So Common in NYC

Cockroaches thrive in urban environments, and New York City is one of the best habitats they could ask for. Here’s why:

  1. Dense Population = More Food and Shelter
     Millions of people means millions of kitchens, trash cans, crumbs, and hiding places. Roaches don’t need much to survive—just a bit of food, water, and warmth.
  2. Aging Infrastructure
     Cracks in foundations, poorly sealed pipes, and gaps between walls give cockroaches easy access to homes and businesses, especially in older buildings.
  3. Shared Buildings and Units
     In apartment buildings, cockroaches can move freely between units via plumbing, electrical lines, and vents. If one unit has a problem, the whole building can eventually be affected.
  4. Night Owls by Nature
     Roaches are nocturnal, meaning you might not see them until the infestation is already serious. If you see one during the day, it’s often a sign of a larger colony.

What Attracts Cockroaches

To keep roaches out, you first need to understand what draws them in. Here are the top culprits:

  1. Food Crumbs and Grease
     Even the tiniest food particle is a feast for a cockroach. Grease on the side of your stove, crumbs under the toaster, and unwashed dishes are like a buffet.
  2. Water and Moisture
     Roaches can survive a long time without food, but they need water to live. Leaky pipes, condensation, and even pet water bowls can sustain them.
  3. Clutter and Hiding Spaces
     Stacks of paper, cardboard boxes, and piles of clothing offer ideal nesting spots. Roaches prefer dark, quiet areas where they can reproduce undisturbed.
  4. Trash and Food Waste
     Open garbage cans, compost bins, or takeout containers that haven’t been rinsed out are all highly attractive to cockroaches.
  5. Warmth
     Roaches gravitate toward warm areas, especially behind appliances like fridges and stoves or inside electronics.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches—For Good

A single treatment isn’t enough to stop a roach problem. These pests are resilient and reproduce quickly, so a long-term strategy is necessary. Here’s what works:

1. Eliminate Food Sources

  • Wipe down counters and sweep floors daily.

  • Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.

  • Store all pantry items in airtight containers.

  • Empty garbage regularly and use sealed trash bins.

2. Fix Leaks and Remove Water Access

  • Repair dripping faucets and leaky pipes immediately.

  • Dry out sinks and bathtubs before bed.

  • Don’t leave pet water bowls out overnight.

  • Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements.

3. Declutter Your Space

  • Recycle unused cardboard boxes and paper bags.

  • Keep storage areas organized and off the floor.

  • Minimize clutter in closets and under sinks.

4. Seal Entry Points

  • Caulk cracks in walls, gaps in baseboards, and spaces around pipes.

  • Install door sweeps and repair window screens.

  • Use steel wool to block holes rodents or insects might exploit.

5. Use Baits and Traps

  • Gel baits and bait stations are more effective than sprays—they attract roaches and kill them at the source.

  • Place traps in high-traffic areas: under sinks, behind appliances, and in bathroom cabinets.

6. Call a Professional

If you’ve taken preventive steps and still see roaches, it’s time to bring in a licensed pest control expert. A professional can:

  • Identify hidden nesting sites.

  • Apply treatments that are safe, targeted, and more effective than over-the-counter sprays.

  • Set up an ongoing monitoring and prevention program tailored to your building.

In NYC, where cockroaches can quickly spread through entire apartment complexes or office floors, professional intervention is often the fastest and most cost-effective solution.

Don’t Rely on Myths

There are plenty of DIY “tricks” floating around online—cucumber peels, bay leaves, essential oils—but none of these are proven solutions. While some may act as mild deterrents, they won’t eliminate an infestation.

Final Thoughts

Cockroaches are survivors. They’ve been around for over 300 million years and won’t disappear anytime soon. But with the right habits, a clean environment, and the occasional help from pest control professionals, you can keep them out of your home or business for good.

In a city that moves fast, you don’t want pests that linger. Start prevention now, and you’ll spend a lot less time looking over your shoulder—or under your sink. We recommend pest control in New York.