Roaches are one of the most unwelcome pests in any home. Even the cleanest houses can experience infestations, leaving homeowners frustrated and concerned about health and hygiene. At Onstar Pest Control, we have been serving Oakdale, California, and the surrounding areas since 1998, helping families manage and prevent pest problems with effective, reliable solutions.
In this article, we will explore what causes roaches in your house, why they appear even in clean homes, and the best ways to keep them away for good. We will also answer common questions about roaches, including how to get rid of them, what attracts them, and why certain methods, like squishing, are not recommended.
As experts in cockroach pest control and a full range of Pest Control Services, our goal is to provide homeowners with practical advice and professional solutions that truly work. Whether you are dealing with roaches, ants, silverfish, or other common household pests, understanding the causes is the first step toward effective Pest Management.
Why Do I Have Cockroaches in My Clean House?

Many homeowners are surprised to find roaches in their home, even when it is spotless. The truth is that cockroaches are opportunistic pests that are not solely attracted to dirt. They are drawn to three main essentials: food, water, and shelter.
Some common reasons roaches may appear in a clean house include:
- Water sources: Leaky pipes, dripping faucets, pet water bowls, or even condensation in bathrooms and kitchens can attract roaches.
- Hidden food: Crumbs, pet food, or improperly stored groceries provide easy meals for roaches.
- Warmth and shelter: Cockroaches prefer dark, tight spaces such as cracks in walls, behind appliances, or cluttered areas.
- Entry points: Small openings in doors, windows, or walls can allow roaches to enter from neighboring properties or even from outdoors.
Even in homes that are regularly cleaned, roaches can appear if these conditions exist. This is why professional cockroach pest control and comprehensive Pest Management programs are often necessary to fully eliminate infestations.
At Onstar Pest Control, we provide customized solutions that address the unique needs of each property. Our programs target roaches at their source, ensuring long-term results while also helping prevent other common pests such as ants, silverfish, crickets, and spiders.
What is the Main Cause of Roaches?
Understanding the primary causes of roaches is essential to keeping your home pest-free. The main factors that attract roaches are food, water, and shelter. Without these essentials, roaches cannot survive for long.
Some of the most common causes include:
| Food sources | Moisture | Shelter and hiding places | Nearby infestations |
| Leftover crumbs, exposed pet food, improperly stored groceries, and even spilled drinks can attract roaches. | Leaky pipes, dripping faucets, or damp areas in basements and bathrooms provide the water roaches need to survive. | Clutter, stacks of cardboard, cracks in walls, and spaces behind appliances give roaches safe places to hide and breed. | Roaches can enter from neighboring homes, sewer systems, or even boxes and used furniture brought into the house. |
Addressing these causes is the first step in effective Pest Management. While cleaning and maintenance help reduce the likelihood of roaches, professional cockroach pest control is often necessary for full elimination, especially in persistent infestations.
At Onstar Pest Control, we offer a wide range of Pest Control Services, including ant pest control, beetle pest control, flea pest control, mice pest control, and more, to help homeowners address not just roaches but all common household pests. Our integrated approach ensures pests are controlled using proven-effective methods tailored to your property.
How Do I Get Rid of Roaches in My House?
Getting rid of roaches requires a combination of preventive measures, sanitation, and professional intervention. While some DIY methods can help, long-term elimination often requires a professional cockroach pest control plan.
Here are effective steps to get rid of roaches:

Maintain cleanliness
Wipe up crumbs, clean dishes promptly, and store food in sealed containers. Regularly empty trash cans and keep pet food in airtight containers.
Eliminate moisture
Fix leaks in sinks, pipes, and appliances. Ensure bathrooms and kitchens are dry and well-ventilated.


Seal entry points
Close gaps around doors, windows, and walls to prevent roaches from entering your home.
Remove hiding spots
Declutter storage areas, basements, and behind appliances where roaches like to hide.

While these steps help reduce roach activity, professional cockroach pest control is often necessary to eliminate infestations completely. At Onstar Pest Control, we offer customized Pest Management programs tailored to the specific needs of your property. Our approach targets roaches at their source and prevents them from returning.
By combining sanitation, home maintenance, and professional treatment, you can achieve long-term control over roaches and other common household pests.
What Keeps Cockroaches Away?

Preventing roaches is often easier than getting rid of an existing infestation. The key is making your home unattractive and inaccessible to these pests.
Here are proven strategies to keep cockroaches away:
- Store food properly: Use airtight containers for groceries and pet food. Avoid leaving crumbs or spills on counters and floors.
- Maintain cleanliness: Regularly clean kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where roaches may hide. Empty trash frequently.
- Reduce moisture: Fix leaks, use proper ventilation, and keep sinks, bathtubs, and basements dry.
- Seal entry points: Close gaps around doors, windows, vents, and pipes to prevent roaches from entering.
- Declutter: Remove cardboard boxes, paper piles, and other materials where roaches can hide.
Regular Pest Control Services and professional Pest Management can also help prevent roaches from becoming a problem. At Onstar Pest Control, we offer ongoing maintenance programs tailored to your home, ensuring that roaches and other pests stay away.
In addition to roaches, these preventive steps can reduce infestations of other common pests.
By combining good sanitation practices with professional services, homeowners can effectively keep cockroaches away and maintain a healthier, pest-free environment.
What 100% Gets Rid of Roaches?
While no single solution guarantees immediate 100% elimination of roaches, a combination of professional treatment, ongoing maintenance, and preventive measures provides the most effective results.
The most reliable way to get rid of roaches includes:
Professional cockroach pest control
Experts identify where roaches live and breed, applying targeted treatments that are safe and effective.
Ongoing maintenance programs
Regular inspections and treatments prevent new infestations from taking hold.
Sanitation and home repairs
Keeping food sealed, eliminating clutter, fixing leaks, and sealing cracks reduces the conditions that attract roaches.
By addressing the root causes of infestations and combining professional treatment with preventive measures, homeowners can effectively eliminate roaches and keep their homes pest-free.
Why Shouldn’t You Squish Cockroaches?
It may seem satisfying to squash a roach on sight, but doing so is not an effective method for controlling infestations. In fact, squishing cockroaches can cause more problems than it solves.
Here’s why you should avoid squishing roaches:
| Spreads bacteria | Triggers pheromone signals | Does not eliminate the infestation |
| Cockroaches carry germs and pathogens on their bodies. Crushing them can contaminate surfaces in your home. | When a roach is squished, it can release pheromones that attract other roaches to the area. | Squishing a few roaches does nothing to address the underlying problem, such as food, water, or shelter that is supporting the population. |
Instead of squishing, use safer and more effective methods, such as cockroach pest control, traps, or baits. Professional Pest Management ensures that infestations are eliminated at the source and prevents future occurrences.
At Onstar Pest Control, we provide targeted Pest Control Services designed to remove roaches and other pests. By choosing professional treatment over squishing, you protect your home from contamination and address the root of the infestation effectively.
Why Choose Onstar Pest Control?
Choosing the right pest control company is essential for long-term protection against roaches and other household pests. At Onstar Pest Control, we have been serving Oakdale, California, and surrounding areas since 1998, offering trusted, reliable, and effective solutions tailored to each customer’s unique needs.
Here’s why homeowners choose us:
- Locally owned and operated: We understand the specific pest challenges in Oakdale and provide solutions designed for our community.
- Customized Pest Management programs: Every home is different, so we create a plan that targets your specific pest problems, including roaches, ants, mice, and more.
- Comprehensive Pest Control Services: Our expertise extends beyond roaches, covering a wide range of pests.
- Proven results and customer trust: We focus on building strong relationships with our clients through quality service, ongoing maintenance, and results that last.
By choosing Onstar Pest Control, you gain access to a team that combines professional expertise with personalized care. Our goal is not just to remove pests, but to ensure your home stays safe, clean, and pest-free long-term.
Take Control of Your Home: Effective Solutions to Keep Roaches Away
Roaches can appear in any home, even the cleanest ones, but understanding what causes roaches in your house is the first step toward preventing and eliminating infestations. From food, water, and shelter to nearby infestations, several factors can attract these pests. While DIY methods can help reduce their presence, professional cockroach pest control and comprehensive Pest Management are the most effective ways to fully protect your home.
At Onstar Pest Control, we have been providing trusted Pest Control Services to Oakdale, California, and surrounding areas since 1998. Our customized programs address roaches and other common pests, including:
- Ant pest control
- Beetle pest control
- Cockroach pest control
- Earwig pest control
- Cricket pest control
- Flea pest control
- Mice pest control
- Moth pest control
- Pillbug pest control
- Rat pest control
- Silverfish pest control
- Snails & Slug pest control
- Spider pest control
- Wasp pest control
By combining professional treatment, preventive measures, and ongoing maintenance, you can achieve a safe, clean, and pest-free home. Don’t wait for an infestation to get worse—contact Onstar Pest Control today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward effective roach elimination and long-term Pest Management.