The household appliance we all have that is a ‘paradise for cockroaches’ as it creates a perfect microclimate

Cockroaches have a special hiding place in every apartment and house they infest. With the arrival of a heat wave and soaring temperatures, this pest finds the back of a household appliance an ideal refuge to live and lay eggs.

It has to be dark and safe from threats – a place where new tenants can breed freely, far from reach unless everything is moved around. No matter how often a home is cleaned, if there’s a crack or gap they can squeeze through, cockroaches will head straight to this hideout.

So, where exactly do they hide? The answer is simple: behind the refrigerator. This appliance, meant to store food, can end up hosting an entire cockroach colony in its rear panel. According to the US National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), these insects can live and reproduce easily inside homes without anyone noticing.

Where do cockroaches hide in my house?

Cockroaches are fast at finding a new home, making them invisible until they emerge to roam through the house. If the place is spotless, it’s usually not hard to get rid of them. But once they find a food or water source, the problem becomes more complicated.

The NPIC says these insects can slip in through the tiniest unrepaired holes or cracks. In more extreme cases, they even hide inside bags or backpacks. While the refrigerator is their favorite spot, it’s not the only option.

Other hideouts include underneath the fridge, where they use the grill between the base and the floor as protection, or in dark drawers and cabinets – whether empty, full, or clean. And if none of those are available, narrow cracks or crevices in the walls provide a perfect refuge.

• Here’s what it means if you have cockroaches in your home
• Goodbye to cockroaches: the failsafe trick to keep them out of your home in summer
• What would happen if cockroaches went extinct?
• Why you shouldn’t squash a cockroach

How best to remove cockroaches at home

Cockroaches are major carriers of disease. While they can’t bite humans, they can contaminate food, spreading illnesses when that food is later consumed. Good cleaning habits are crucial to keeping them away, but they’re not enough.

The NPIC warns that cockroaches can easily find food and water, and are linked to allergies, asthma, and certain diseases. To prevent this, experts recommend sealing all cracks and fissures in the walls.

Food should never be left out, including pet food. Storing it in airtight containers and cleaning dishes and utensils immediately helps. Any water leaks must be fixed promptly, as moisture is another attraction. Trash should always go into sealed bins and be taken out daily. If cockroaches have already moved in, bait stations or sticky traps are recommended instead of pesticides.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.