3 reasons cockroach infestation spikes in summer and what you can do to get rid of them

“Similarly, cockroaches live in sewer lines or gutters where it is warm and humid. During summers with high water usage, they are forced to find other warm and humid places. Hence, they become more visible,” he explained.

He added that since they are cold-blooded creatures, their movements become faster in summer because of their higher metabolism and food availability. “Their reproductive cycles become shorter as well, hence a surge in the roach population that drives us up against the walls,” he added.

Keep your kitchen clean (Source: Freepik)

What can you do to prevent this?

Stating that cockroaches find places that are dark, damp, and warm and have easy access to food, Sharma said, “Check under the cylinders, beneath the sink and places behind the fridge, or nooks and crannies one hasn’t checked in years. ”

“With their resistance, cockroaches will outlive humanity. The only way forward is to minimise their growth environment and keep things clean. Sealing entry points, using natural repellents, and putting roach traps can also help keep the infestation in check,” he said.

Concurring, celebrity chef Ananya Banerjee shared some natural DIY hacks to keep cockroaches at bay, such as placing dried bay leaves across your kitchen since their strong smell keeps roaches away. “Cloves, cinnamon, and neem leaves also do the trick. You can even mix a couple of drops of neem oil in water and spray it in the room. Dust a mix of boric acid and sugar on kitchen counter tops and corners, away from the food, to kill cockroaches,” she added.