How to Stop Roaches From Coming Up the Drain

Once you've determined the entry points, it's time to block them up. For any cracks or holes in the drain pipes, use a caulk gun to seal the area with caulk. If any holes or cracks surround the pipes or under the sink, use silicone sealant to fill the areas in. If the holes are large, you can place copper mesh over the hole before applying the sealant.

Once the cracks and holes around your plumbing are secure, move onto investigating any potential problems with your faucet. Leaky faucets allow water to pool and, since cockroaches are searching for a water source, they are attracted to these areas. Often, leaky faucets are a result of a crack in a pipe, which you can fill in with caulk.

If you have a burst pipe, that’s a more serious issue. In that case, you’ll need to turn off the water supply, drain the taps, locate the leak, and call a professional plumber to take care of the replacement and repair.

You may discover holes in the walls that cockroaches are using as a path into your home. Use expanding insulation foam to fill in the hole. You can also use the insulation foam around areas of condensation, as this has the potential to become standing water. The foam can be wrapped around the pipe.

Even if you're diligently blocking possible entry points for cockroaches, there's still the risk of them coming into your home in other ways. There are preventative steps you can take to keep roaches away. 

• Add drain stopper: One of the best ways to prevent them from coming through your drain is to put a rubber stopper over your drain at night since cockroaches are nocturnal. 

• Keep your kitchen clean: Avoid leaving any dirty dishes, food particles, or scraps in the sink overnight. Always clean dishes from food debris before putting them in the sink to prevent any food from getting into the drain. You can also use a homemade drain cleaner to clear any food from the pipes to ensure you aren't inviting cockroaches in.

• Remove food sources: Cleaning off counters, tables, and floors each night is another way to prevent excess food from attracting cockroaches. If it makes sense, store the food in cabinets or refrigerators to keep them safe.