Are Cockroaches Nocturnal?

No one wants to encounter a cockroach in their home. The truth is that you may have cockroaches in your home, but never see them whatsoever. This is because roaches are indeed nocturnal creatures. Roaches typically shield themselves from the light of day, and hunt for food overnight. If you happen to encounter roaches in the daytime, then, it’s a bad sign you already have a serious infestation on your hands.

Whether you think you have a roach infestation or not, it’s important to learn about the unique behavior and schedule of cockroaches. The experts at Russell’s Pest Control are here to share everything you need to know.

Cockroaches at Night

Similar to other animals and insects, roaches possess a unique circadian rhythm that includes a resting period. In one study, it was proven that roaches have three states of activity: a period of locomotion, a period of limb or antennae movement but no locomotion, and a period of immobility. Under normal light conditions (light during the day and dark overnight), cockroaches were only active at night, typically during the period right before midnight. There was little activity during the early morning hours, and roaches were found to rest during the daytime.

Roaches During the Day

If you spot even a couple of roaches running around during the day inside your home, you may be in bad luck. Here’s what that could implicate:

• You have a serious cockroach infestation already underway.
• Cockroaches have been forced out of their typical hiding places due to a lack of resources.
• Artificial light can sometimes disorient roaches, encouraging them to come out in the daytime.

Where Do Cockroaches Hide in My Home?

Cockroaches prefer to stay in the shade, which is why they dwell in the darker areas around your home. Roaches are often found in bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces. However, if there is a serious infestation, many other areas can become a roach’s new home: under the appliances in your kitchen, underneath sinks, inside light switches, or amongst boxes in your attic or garage. If you stumble upon them during the day by moving an object, they will likely run for cover.

Cockroaches in Knoxville Homes

If you are noticing roaches during the daytime, it’s time to contact your local cockroach control experts. At Russell’s Pest Control, our team works hard to get rid of the pests and keep them away for good. We can help implement prevention methods to make sure roaches aren’t running around your house at night ever again. Contact us today to get started!