Why are there cockroaches in your garden? Here's how to protect your plants

Cockroaches in the garden can be a problem, but there are solutions . Among the main reasons, these insects can carry various bacteria that cause human illness, such as salmonellosis, staph, and strep infections. Why do they appear among the plants in your yard?

According to the GardenTech website, which specializes in garden care and landscaping, cockroaches earned their bad reputation due to their appearance and their risks to human health. These insects feed on human food and leftovers, which are found on surfaces and kitchen utensils.

Cockroaches are constantly on the lookout for debris, water, and a dry place to live. Gardens can be a favorite place to live because of the debris that can be spread by the wind or pet droppings. Additionally, plants and some types of grass become ideal habitats for their survival.

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According to Architecture Digest magazine, for example, it was stated that tropical plants attract cockroaches and are not suitable for gardens. (READ: The plant that can fill your house with cockroaches because they take good shelter in it) "This species needs a lot of sunlight and a warm, humid climate. In addition, most require a lot of watering, especially in their first years of life, so they can develop healthily, and this is precisely what makes them very attractive to pests," they noted.

It's important to check the soil for insect infestations when transplanting. "That's enough to quickly overrun your plants with pests. So be very careful and apply natural fertilizers from time to time," AD experts recommend for caring for your plants. It 's also best to always grind up the waste or make infusions to ensure the waste doesn't attract or breed insects , including cockroaches.

What other plants are attractive to cockroaches?

- Croton : This plant is prized for its bright, colorful leaves, but its lush, fleshy leaves retain moisture, creating an ideal refuge for cockroaches that seek dark, damp hiding places. Fallen leaves can also serve as food for these insects.

- Yucca: Yucca has a thick trunk and sword-shaped leaves that retain moisture in the soil, encouraging insect proliferation. Its roots are usually located in humid, sun-protected areas, ideal conditions for these pests to reproduce, especially in warm climates.

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- Palm trees : Palm trees, especially parlor palms, attract cockroaches because of the dry leaves and pods that fall to the ground, which provide perfect hiding places. They can also attract other pests like rats and ants, so it's important to keep them clean to prevent infestations.

- Orchids: Orchids are tropical plants that maintain humid and shady environments, conditions that favor cockroaches to take refuge and reproduce near them.

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