Don’t Let Roaches Crash Your Thanksgiving

HOW TO PLAN FOR AND PREVENT THE MOST UNWANTED OF GUESTS THIS THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving is supposed to be a day for family stories, football in the background, and the smell of turkey filling the house—not the sight of roaches darting across the floor. Unfortunately, the same things that make your home warm and welcoming for guests also make it irresistible to pests. A crowded kitchen, overflowing trash, and a feast that lasts all day can turn your dining room into a cockroach’s dream come true.

Before you let them crash the holiday, here’s what to know about why roaches show up, how to spot the warning signs, and the steps you can take to keep them from turning Thanksgiving into a horror story.

COCKROACH 101: Why They Show Up in the First Place

Cockroaches are opportunists. When the weather cools, they move indoors in search of shelter. Add a holiday menu filled with turkey drippings, pie crumbs, and sticky spills, and you’ve created the perfect invitation.

In Mississippi, the most common culprits are the American cockroach, German cockroach, and Oriental cockroach. Each has its own quirks, but they share one thing in common: they’re highly adaptable, incredibly resilient, and notoriously hard to eliminate once they’ve settled in.

Why it matters: Roaches aren’t just gross—they’re a health hazard. They carry bacteria that can contaminate food, trigger allergies, and worsen asthma symptoms, especially in children and older adults.

SIGNS ROACHES ARE ALREADY IN THE HOUSE

You may not see roaches right away—after all, they’re nocturnal and prefer dark, hidden spaces. However,  as you begin dressing the turkey, making the cranberry sauce, mashing the potatoes, mixing the cornbread batter, and baking your pies, know that each of these wonderful Thanksgiving staples are an added temptation for them to come out into the light. 

Here are a few warning signs to watch for:

• Droppings: Small, pepper-like specks near baseboards, cabinets, or behind appliances.
• Egg cases (oothecae): Brown, oval-shaped capsules tucked into cracks and crevices.
• Odor: A musty, oily smell that grows stronger as the infestation worsens.
• Sightings: Spotting even one roach in the daylight is a red flag—because where there’s one, there are usually many more.

PREVENTION: How to Keep Roaches Off the Guest List

Sure, roaches may be incredibly resilient, but there’s plenty you can do to keep them from setting foot near your cranberry sauce.

Before the Holiday:

• Deep clean the kitchen: Pull out appliances, scrub floors, and wipe down cabinets to remove hidden crumbs and grease.

• Seal entry points: Caulk cracks, fix torn screens, and check weatherstripping on doors and windows. Despite the pleasant fall weather, unless you have screen windows and doors, you’ll want to be vigilant in keeping them closed.

• Inspect groceries: Cockroaches sometimes hitchhike in cardboard boxes or paper grocery bags.

During the Holiday:

• Stay on top of spills: Wipe counters, mop sticky spots, and keep serving areas tidy.

• Empty trash promptly: Securely bag garbage and take it outside at the end of each day—don’t let it linger indoors.

• Don’t leave food out overnight: Cover leftovers and refrigerate them quickly.

After the Holiday:

• Check hidden spaces: Roaches love to hide under sinks, behind refrigerators, and in pantry corners.

• Declutter storage areas: Cardboard boxes, paper bags, and piles of holiday décor make perfect roach shelters.

• Schedule an inspection: Even if you don’t see obvious signs, a professional inspection ensures peace of mind.

WHY HAVARD?

Cockroaches aren’t a DIY problem you want to tackle alone. They breed fast, hide well, and require a professional plan to treat your home adequately. Havard Pest Control has been protecting homes since 1947, combining local expertise with proven methods to stop infestations before they spoil your season.

When you call Havard, you’re not just hiring a pest control company—you’re partnering with a trusted neighbor who understands the unique challenges of living (and dining) in the South.

Thanksgiving is about food, family, and gratitude—not about chasing roaches across the kitchen floor. By staying proactive with cleaning and prevention, and by calling in Havard for professional protection, you can focus on the things that matter most.

So go ahead—carve the turkey, pass the rolls, and enjoy the day. Havard has your back, and the roaches are staying far away from your dinner table.

Protect your home this holiday season—schedule your free inspection today.

[schedule online]  |  [800-898-0264]

REFERENCES

• Mississippi State University Extension – Household Insects
• EPA – Cockroach Control and Prevention
• National Pest Management Association – Cockroach Facts