We all like a clean and healthy home without a cockroach in sight. But just because you haven’t seen any indoors doesn’t mean they aren’t making themselves comfortable somewhere on your property. In fact, your pipes can be one of their favourite places to hide. Just look at this viral footage from a home we inspected on the Gold Coast a few years ago.
Gross right? Unfortunately, this skin-crawling situation isn’t as rare as you would hope. We often see cockroaches inside pipes of all kinds, from manholes to sewer systems. When left unchecked, this can turn into a big problem for homeowners. Luckily, there are things you can do to avoid a full-scale infestation like the one in the video.
Let’s delve a little deeper into this creepy-crawly problem and uncover the best way to get rid of cockroaches.
Why are cockroaches attracted to pipes?
Cockroaches are nocturnal, and they love making themselves at home in damp, dark spaces with a water and food source nearby. Sewers, storm drains and other piping systems offer the conditions that cockroaches thrive in, as well as decaying organic matter that serves as their sustenance.
Their desire to seek out these conditions can worsen in certain weather. When it gets particularly hot, they will often take shelter from the elements within your pipes, looking for a moisture source. Rain can also affect the cockroach population in your pipes. Wet weather means cockroaches and other insects will take refuge within your pipes and drains. Plus, flooding can push rubbish into waterways, creating more food sources for these bugs and attracting higher populations to your piping systems.
Why should I be concerned?
Aside from the ick factor, when cockroaches are left to run rampant, they may not stay out of sight and out of mind for long. They are fast-breeding, so the longer they’re left, the bigger their numbers grow and the higher the chances of a cockroach invasion. Plus, their exploratory nature means they might start taking up residence elsewhere – inside your home.
They can creep out of shower, kitchen and floor drains, laying eggs as they go and ending up all over your home. And because cockroaches are so resilient, they can be very hard to get rid of when it gets to this point.
How do they get into my pipes in the first place?
Cockroaches will invade your pipes through various access points, including cracks, holes and any disjointed pieces. These generally occur when your pipes are in reactive soil that shrinks when it’s dry and expands when it’s wet. Otherwise, because tree roots are attracted to moisture and warm, damp soil, they can intrude your piping systems and grow inside, offering an access point to cockroaches. In times of flooding, they may also be washed inside your systems.
Cockroach pest control in your pipes
While there will always be some insects in your pipes, there are two main things you can do to minimise the number of cockroaches in your systems. One is to remove their food source, and the other is to seal off their entry points. By carrying out regular maintenance and timely repairs of your drains and pipes, you can make sure nothing is clogged and prevent the stagnant puddles they love to thrive in.
You should also keep an eye out for any signs of a crack or leak. Indicators include higher water bills, poor water pressure, loose fixtures, rust or mould. When you do notice something, get your pipes inspected and sealed. It’s also a good idea to get regular pipe inspections in general and keep your plumbing running smoothly.
Nuflow can help with this. We have quality CCTV pipe inspection technology (which you can see in practise in the video above) that we can use to make sure your pipes aren’t damaged. If we do notice any entry points and damage, we can get things fixed easily with our revolutionary pipe relining technology. This can structurally repair all sorts of water and sewage systems without you needing to replace your pipes. Not only is this less expensive, but it also reduces the amount of time your pipes are left open to invasion. The results will help limit bug access, and ensure your water flows at its maximum efficiency.
Reduce the risk of cockroaches in your house with Nuflow
Our experienced team is ready to help you get on top of your creepy crawly problem. For your peace of mind, we can inspect your pipes and show you the footage so you can gain some visibility of your piping systems. From there, we can fix any issues with your drains and pipes so your plumbing is optimised and primed for cockroach prevention. Get in touch with your local Nuflow team today.
