Why cockroaches are probably lurking in your kettle—and how to get rid of them for good

There’s nothing like that first soothing sip of tea to start your morning—until something unexpected turns it into a nightmare.

For one Australian woman, her peaceful routine was shattered in an instant.

What she thought was a harmless tea leaf turned out to be something far more horrifying.

Australian podcaster Cassidy McGill was enjoying a typical day when she spotted something brown floating in her freshly poured tea.

At first, she assumed it was an escaped leaf—but when she looked closer, she realised it was a cockroach.

The 30-year-old former #Love Island star admitted she felt physically sick after discovering the insect had come from inside her kettle.

‘How many times has that happened!? How many times has there been a bug or a cockroach in my kettle and it hasn't fallen out?’ she asked in disbelief.

Her horrified reaction quickly spread across social media, where thousands of Australians began double-checking their kettles before their morning cuppa.

The clip has now been viewed more than 165,000 times, sparking a wave of kettle horror stories from others who’ve had similar experiences.

While Cassidy’s discovery made many shudder, pest experts say the culprit’s hiding spot was no accident.

Why your kettle is a cockroach’s dream home

Experts explain that kettles, coffee machines and toasters make ideal cockroach hideouts.

They’re warm, dark, and full of moisture—the perfect environment for these nocturnal insects to thrive.

Infestations are most often found in kitchens, where cockroaches can lurk under sinks, in cupboards, and around appliances like fridges.

These cold-blooded pests love warmth and humidity, which is why they congregate in food prep areas where crumbs, spills and water are plentiful.

Once a cockroach crawls inside a kettle, it can easily slip through the spout or heating element—ready to deliver an unpleasant surprise to whoever boils next.

And the creepiest part?

They spend their days hiding in cracks and crevices, emerging at night to feed… meaning they could come and go without you ever noticing.

You're not alone—we're entering peak cockroach season

Cassidy’s timing couldn’t have been worse.

Cockroaches become far more active during Australia’s warmer and wetter months, typically from October to March.

That means right now is peak cockroach season, when humidity and heat create the ideal breeding environment.

Even spotless homes aren’t immune, as these insects are driven by food and water—not cleanliness.

For many viewers, Cassidy’s discovery struck a nerve.

With rising temperatures across the country, households everywhere are likely seeing more cockroach activity than usual—whether they realise it or not.

The health risks worth knowing about

As disgusting as it sounds, there’s more at stake than a ruined cup of tea.

Cockroaches can carry bacteria such as salmonella, staphylococcus and streptococcus, along with viruses including polio.

They eat just about anything—from kitchen scraps to faecal matter—and may spread pathogens as they move between sewers and food preparation areas.

The American cockroach, in particular, has been linked to transmitting diseases through this behaviour.

If you’ve accidentally drunk from a contaminated kettle, experts say there’s no need to panic.

Monitor how you feel and see your GP if you develop concerning symptoms, though most people won’t become seriously ill from a single exposure.

Simple steps to protect your morning cuppa

The good news? Keeping cockroaches out of your kettle is simple with the right routine.

One social media user summed it up perfectly: ‘The first thing you do is a bug check and refill.’

Many others admitted they’ve already made this habit part of their routine after previous unpleasant encounters.

Beyond the kettle—securing your whole kitchen

If there’s one lesson to take from Cassidy’s ordeal, it’s that the battle doesn’t stop at your kettle.

Cockroaches love moisture and warmth, so it’s important to target the spaces they frequent most—bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and basements.

They often enter through drains or pipes, so check under sinks, around dishwashers, and behind washing machines for hidden entry points.

Prevention is the best defence, and that starts with removing what they want most: food, water and shelter.

Experts recommend a weekly deep clean, focusing on food prep areas.

Empty your bins regularly, wipe spills immediately, and fix any dripping taps—since cockroaches can’t survive without a steady water source.

Even the cleanest kitchen can attract them, so don’t be embarrassed if one sneaks in.

The key is acting quickly and staying vigilant.

As for Cassidy, she’s left wondering just how many insect-infused teas she’s unknowingly enjoyed over the years.

Her viral moment is more than just shock value—it’s a timely reminder to give your kettle a quick check before that next soothing brew.

If the thought of something unexpected turning up in your tea made you squirm, you’ll want to see what else could be hiding in your kitchen. Sometimes, the scariest discoveries come when we least expect them—especially in the places we use every day. Here’s another shocking story that might have you checking your appliances twice.

Read more: What do I do now?’: Mum finds ‘terrifying’ hints of danger in her kitchen

Have you ever discovered something unexpected in your morning brew?