If you’ve ever flipped on your porch light at night and seen a few large, fast-moving insects scatter into the dark, chances are you’ve encountered wood roaches. These pests, also known as wood cockroaches, are common in wooded or damp areas and often make surprise appearances in homes—especially during warmer months.
While they might look like the dreaded household cockroach, wood roaches are a bit different. They don’t usually infest homes or breed indoors, but they can still be a nuisance when they wander inside. If you’re tired of spotting them in your kitchen, basement, or bathroom, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll break down how to get rid of wood roaches quickly, safely, and effectively.
What Are Wood Roaches?
Wood roaches belong to the Parcoblatta species and are native to North America. Unlike German or American cockroaches, wood roaches prefer outdoor environments such as mulch piles, rotting logs, woodpiles, and leaf litter. They feed on decaying organic matter and are more active in humid, wooded areas.
Key identifying features:
-
Light to dark brown color
-
Flat, oval-shaped bodies (¾ to 1 inch long)
-
Males have long wings and can fly toward lights at night
-
Females have shorter wings and usually stay near wood debris
Although wood roaches are generally harmless, seeing them indoors can be unsettling. Understanding why they come inside is the first step to getting rid of them.
Why Wood Roaches Enter Your Home
Wood roaches don’t intentionally infest homes the way other roach species do. Typically, they enter by accident or are attracted to something specific. Here are the main reasons they might be invading your space:
-
Outdoor Lights – Male wood roaches are attracted to lights at night. If you leave porch or window lights on, they may fly toward them and slip inside through small gaps.
-
Moisture – Wood roaches love damp, humid environments. Leaky pipes, basements, and bathrooms can attract them indoors.
-
Wood and Debris Near the House – Firewood stacks, mulch beds, or compost piles close to your foundation create a perfect habitat for these pests.
-
Cracks and Openings – They can easily crawl in through foundation cracks, gaps under doors, or torn window screens.
If you’ve noticed wood roaches inside, it’s usually a sign that your outdoor environment is attracting them—and your home provides easy entry points.
How to Get Rid of Wood Roaches (Step-by-Step)
Getting rid of wood roaches doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these simple steps to eliminate them and prevent future problems.
1. Identify and Eliminate Entry Points
Inspect your home carefully for cracks, gaps, or openings where wood roaches might sneak in. Pay close attention to:
-
Gaps around doors and windows
-
Spaces where utility pipes enter the home
-
Foundation cracks or missing caulk
-
Torn screens
Seal these entry points with weatherstripping, silicone caulk, or expandable foam. This will not only keep wood roaches out but also prevent other pests from entering.
2. Remove Attractants Around the House
Wood roaches are outdoor insects, so the goal is to make your property less appealing to them.
-
Move firewood and lumber at least 20 feet away from the house.
-
Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent moisture buildup.
-
Trim bushes and shrubs away from the walls and foundation.
-
Avoid using excessive mulch near your home, as it provides ideal hiding spots.
-
Reduce outdoor lighting or switch to yellow “bug lights” that are less attractive to insects.
By removing their preferred shelter and food sources, you’ll drastically cut down on the number of roaches around your home.
3. Control Moisture Indoors
Since wood roaches are drawn to dampness, reducing indoor humidity is key:
-
Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and drains.
-
Use a dehumidifier in basements, crawl spaces, or laundry rooms.
-
Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.
Keeping things dry makes your home far less inviting to roaches and other moisture-loving pests.
4. Use Natural Repellents
If you prefer to avoid chemicals, there are several natural ways to repel wood roaches:
-
Diatomaceous earth (DE): Sprinkle food-grade DE around entry points, baseboards, and under sinks. It’s harmless to humans and pets but deadly to roaches.
-
Essential oils: Peppermint, eucalyptus, and cedarwood oils are known to repel cockroaches. Mix a few drops with water and spray around windows and doors.
-
Borax or baking soda: Mix with sugar to attract roaches—once ingested, it kills them naturally.
Natural remedies are great for prevention, though they work best when combined with good sanitation and exclusion practices.
5. Apply Targeted Insecticides (If Needed)
For persistent wood roach problems, you may need to use insecticides. Focus on outdoor treatments rather than indoor spraying.
-
Perimeter treatments: Apply a residual insecticide around the foundation, doors, and windows.
-
Granular baits: Place around mulch beds, woodpiles, and other outdoor areas where roaches may live.
-
Indoor use: Only treat cracks and crevices where roaches are seen; avoid over-spraying living areas.
Always follow the product’s safety instructions, and if the infestation continues, consider contacting a licensed pest control professional.
6. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free
Wood roaches may wander indoors searching for food. Regular cleaning can discourage them from sticking around:
-
Don’t leave food or dirty dishes out overnight.
-
Vacuum floors and corners regularly.
-
Store pet food in sealed containers.
-
Take out the trash frequently and use bins with tight-fitting lids.
A tidy home removes potential hiding spots and eliminates food sources that might attract pests.
How to Prevent Wood Roaches Long-Term
Once you’ve handled an infestation, prevention is key. Here’s how to keep wood roaches from returning:
-
Inspect your home each season for new cracks or moisture issues.
-
Maintain your yard by removing fallen leaves, branches, and decaying wood.
-
Install door sweeps on exterior doors to block small gaps.
-
Check firewood before bringing it indoors.
-
Keep lights off when not needed, especially near doors and windows.
These small habits can make a big difference in keeping your home roach-free year-round.
Are Wood Roaches Dangerous?
The good news: wood roaches are not dangerous. They don’t spread diseases like other cockroach species and don’t bite or sting. They’re mainly a nuisance pest—unsightly but harmless. Still, nobody wants them running across their countertops or flying toward the porch light. Taking early action helps you avoid that uncomfortable surprise.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried all the above methods and still see wood roaches regularly indoors, it’s time to bring in the pros. A licensed exterminator can:
-
Identify whether the roaches are wood roaches or another species.
-
Apply targeted treatments safely and effectively.
-
Help you set up a long-term prevention plan.
Professional pest control can provide peace of mind and ensure your home remains pest-free.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to get rid of wood roaches is all about understanding their behavior and removing what attracts them. These insects don’t want to live in your house—they just wander in. By sealing entry points, reducing moisture, cleaning up outdoor debris, and using simple repellents, you can easily stop them from invading.
