Considered “the oldest plague in the world”, cockroaches have been prevalent throughout history. The secret of its resilience and longevity? Most likely his ability to stay hidden!
Being nocturnal, these insects spend most of the day hiding before coming out at night. In fact, the German cockroach, a species commonly found in kitchens, spends more than 75% of its life in hiding! Cockroaches can also fit into tight, inaccessible spaces, like under floors, behind wallpaper, or between kitchen appliances. In short, cockroach infestations can be very difficult to detect.
Sometimes the best way (and only way) to identify a roach infestation is by the signs they leave behind. Read on to learn the common signs of a cockroach infestation, as well as what you can do to prevent and treat them.
Is it a cockroach infestation? Here are 6 signs that it is.
- Cockroach droppings. These are usually dark and small, almost like coffee grounds or mouse droppings.
- Bad smells. Cockroach feces actually give off a certain pheromone that attracts other cockroaches. However, that pheromone smells strange and musty to humans. If you notice any unusual odors in your home, it could be cockroaches.
- Cockroach eggs. Their egg cases are oval in shape and light in color.
- Darts move. Cockroaches can be seen moving quickly between walls, corners, and spaces, especially in the middle of the night or in dark areas.
- Shed the skin. Cockroaches shed their exoskeleton many times throughout their lives, leaving patches of skin of varying sizes.
- Damage to property. Cockroaches will eat just about anything, so you may see bite marks or minor damage to food containers or other materials.
4 ways to prevent a cockroach infestation
- Maintain good sanitation. Keeping your eating and living space clean is absolutely essential. Properly sealing food containers, cleaning up crumbs, cleaning under appliances, vacuuming regularly, mopping and disinfecting floors and counters, emptying the trash can, and other sanitation practices will greatly deter roaches.
- Sealing of entry points. If you live in an old, drafty home, or are undergoing renovations, it’s a good idea to look to insure cracks between walls, utility pipes, doors, windows, etc. to prevent the entry of cockroaches and other pests.
- Quickly dispose of food containers and bags. Cockroaches and their eggs can be unknowingly brought into your home in grocery bags, produce boxes, beverage containers, and more. Be sure to dispose of these items quickly and efficiently to limit the risk of an infestation.
- Eliminate damp spaces. Cockroaches love warm, moist spaces like baseboards, behind toilets, and under sinks. Properly clean and inspect these spaces, or maybe invest in a dehumidifier.
Why you should be proactive about cockroaches
In addition to being a nuisance pest, cockroaches can contaminate your food and the environment in your home very quickly. In less than a year, a single female German cockroach can produce several thousand new cockroaches.
Cockroaches are considered a major health risk, capable of transmitting disease pathogens such as bacteria that cause food poisoning, as well as causing asthma, watery eyes, and even skin rashes in some people. They will eat almost anything, from paper to cotton wool and flour, while they reproduce rapidly. If you see even one cockroach in your home or workplace, there are probably more and they may have already contaminated your living space.
How to deal with a cockroach infestation
If you notice signs of an infestation, even without seeing the cockroaches, don’t hesitate to seek help. Call a licensed pest control professional like the professionals at Black Diamond to help you safely and effectively eliminate an infestation. Simply dial 877-DEAD-BUG at any time!
