These roaches seem especially attracted to the warmth of appliances or equipment motors. They may be found even by the small motors of electric clocks. Cockroaches are basically tropical insects and will do their best to find a home that is both warm and moist. They are especially attracted to wet areas and will be found in abundance near leaking faucets or pipes, wet sponges, persistently damp corners, areas where there is frequently standing water, or areas where continual moisture is usually available, such as drains, kitchens, bathrooms, and maintenance rooms with sink traps. Water and steam pipes frequently serve as migration routes from room to room.
Roaches also seek out tight, dark places to hide.
They are very averse to light and are most active at night and in places where light does not penetrate. They are fond of tight crevices and cracks where they can hide while touching multiple surfaces. Clutter along walls makes for adequate hiding places. In addition to being light sensitive, cockroaches are also very sensitive to movement, which makes them difficult to catch. They are able to sense someone approaching through vibration in the floor, or through slight air movements, long before their attacker is close.