Seeing cockroaches makes most people scream of disgust and frustration. Yet, not all of us are brave enough to catch them.
American cockroaches and German cockroaches are the two most commonly found types of roaches in the US. While they have different lifespans, both of them can invade your home without invites to search for food.
Cockroaches multiply fast and intensify their infestation problems, but there are still ways to completely get rid of them.
Don’t hesitate to call a licensed pest control expert if you see any of these 7 signs of cockroach infestation in your home!
Signs of Cockroach Infestation In Your Home
1. Cockroach droppings
Roaches leave behind the dust of black droppings that look like black or dark brown coffee grounds. These droppings are less than 1mm wide and of varying length.
Bacteria can easily be spread through the droppings so if you find these signs, clean and disinfect the area thoroughly.
2. Smear marks
Saw any dark, weird marks on your walls? Or in the pile of your papers? They most likely came from a cockroach!
If there’s abundant water near the area, roaches will produce brown, irregular shaped smear marks as they crawl and rest.
3. Cockroach eggs
Cockroaches lay a capsule full of multiple eggs called ootheca. The ootheca differs in each species.
A German cockroach can have 18 segments of ootheca and carries it around until just before hatching. When it hatches, it releases about 30 tiny nymphs.
Meanwhile, the ootheca of an American cockroach has no clear segmentation. Instead, these species have circular raised areas below the keel.
4. Damage to property
Cockroaches are nocturnal species, and they like to look for a food source at night. They eat nearly anything and leave behind chew marks and other signs on items.
They often leave behind traces on food packages, leather, and even book pages.
5. Unusual smell
Roaches produce sharply strong and musty odors that get worse as the infestation goes longer. The smell can linger in the air and can even affect the taste of food.
6. Live cockroaches
It is the most obvious sign of a roach infestation. Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures, so the best time to hunt them is during nighttime.
Turn on a light at night, and you’ll see them scattered in your room, kitchen, or even in bathroom cabinets. If you see them during the daytime, it could mean that the infestation has been all over the place for some time, and you need to level up your pest control practice.
7. Shed skin
Roaches shed skins about 5-8 times when they mature from the nymph stage to adulthood. Clean and disinfect areas around your home where you found these skins.
What attracts cockroaches?
Poor sanitation generally attracts unwanted pests. Beware and avoid the following things that often attract a roach.
- Cracks and crevices
- Leftover food (including crumbs and pet food)
- Stagnant water
- Dirty kitchen
- Piles of papers and cardboard boxes
- Garbage
- Excess moisture
Tips To Get Away From Your Roach Problems
- Practice proper sanitation
- Get rid of their entry points
- Use Boric Acid
If Infestations Persist, Leave It To The Experts
There are ways to prevent and control minimal pest infestations. However, if the damages are increasingly getting uncontrollable, don’t wait any longer to call for a pest control exterminator.
Licensed exterminators of pests have the necessary skills and equipment to make all areas of your house pest-free.
Patriot Pest and Termite Control are qualified licensed and insured preventative pest control professionals with over 25 years of experience.
Give us a call to protect your home from unwanted pests today.
How do you control cockroaches in your household? Share your tips in the comments section below!