Being trapped in a small space with bugs is usually a gross, possibly scary, and definitely unpleasant experience. Now imagine that you’re trapped with bugs inside a vehicle going 65 mph down the freeway - that can make for a dangerous and disgusting problem. So if it has happened to you, you just might be wondering, how did cockroaches get in my car, and "What can I do about it?”
As long as cockroaches can find what they need to survive, food, water, and shelter, they will continue to inhabit an area, and their population will continue to grow. While you may not realize it, cockroaches would likely consider cars to be an ideal place to live. There are crumbs and spills aplenty, provided by children, our pets, or even those we make, and those little spills can serve as a great buffet for a host of cockroaches. Cockroaches can even survive on paper, cardboard, and dirt, things that are prevalent in nearly every vehicle.
Cars provide countless small spaces where insects can hide, breed, and avoid detection. Because many bugs prefer dark, warm, and undisturbed environments, they often settle in areas that are difficult to inspect during routine cleaning. While some pests may be visible crawling across seats or dashboards, most spend their time hidden deep within the vehicle.
Common places bugs hide in cars include:
Under seats and floor mats
Inside seat cushions and upholstery
Beneath carpeting and interior trim panels
In the trunk and spare tire compartment
Inside air vents and cabin air filter housings
Around door panels and window seals
Under the hood near the engine compartment
Inside bags, boxes, and other items stored in the vehicle
Cockroaches can infest any place rather quickly, and they can travel to new areas by hitching rides in suitcases, on clothing, or even in bags and boxes. Worst of all, they multiply very quickly. Seeing only a few roaches during the day can translate to dozens of roaches hiding somewhere until nighttime. Since they’re nocturnal, you may not see very many until it’s a serious problem. Cockroaches in your car can easily mean cockroaches in your home if you’re not careful and don’t solve the problem immediately.
While notorious for the belief that they could survive a nuclear war, cockroaches really aren’t superhuman - they just tend to be tough to exterminate. To get rid of cockroaches, whether in your car or your home, you’ll need to cut off their access to food and water and make their shelter uninhabitable. Clean your car thoroughly, and often. Take everything out, mats and seat covers included, and vacuum everywhere. Allow no food or drinks anywhere in your car, and try to keep it spotless for as long as it takes to get rid of the bugs.
Once your car is clean, the next step is to monitor and reduce the cockroach population. Set bait stations, as cockroaches will consume the bait and carry it back to their nesting areas. Be sure to follow all product instructions carefully, especially if children or pets frequently ride in your vehicle. Continue checking traps regularly and replacing them as needed until activity decreases.
Cockroaches need moisture to survive, so reducing excess humidity inside your vehicle can make it less attractive to pests. Remove any wet items, repair leaks, and avoid leaving damp towels, umbrellas, or clothing in your car for extended periods.
It's also important to remove unnecessary clutter. Bags, boxes, papers, and other stored items create excellent hiding places where cockroaches can remain undisturbed. Keeping your vehicle organized makes it easier to spot signs of an infestation and reduces potential shelter for pests.
Get tough on cockroaches in your car before they get too tough to remove. Act fast and solve the problem the right way to avoid dealing with roaches in your car for months on end!