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What are the Signs of a Cockroach Infestation?

  • November 21, 2024
  • By Nick Vincent
  • 0 Comments
What are the Signs of a Cockroach Infestation?

Though cockroaches are the last thing you want scurrying around your house, once they find a comfortable place, they are not leaving without a fight. 

Whether you have seen one dart across the kitchen floor or suspect something more dangerous hiding in the shadows, early recognition of the signs of an infestation will help to eradicate these pests.

So, keep on reading to discover the key indicators that it may be time to reach out to a professional roach exterminator.

Visible Cockroaches

Although this seems like the clearest indication, at first, one would easily ignore it. You dismiss a single cockroach you find. Certainly, it is only one, right? Sadly, where one exists, a colony is usually close by.

Cockroaches are nocturnal pests. If you see one during the day, that likely means their population is so great that they are running out of hiding places.

They usually find shelter in kitchen cabinets, bathroom nooks, and even within your devices. So if you find them running around, especially in the daytime, call roach exterminators. They know how to locate the secret nests and handle the infestation at its source so that no creepy crawlies remain.

Unpleasant Odours

The unique, musty smell of cockroaches gets stronger the larger the infestation becomes. Cockroaches use pheromones to communicate, and as the pests grow, the scent gets stronger. 

Even worse, should you be unlucky enough to come upon a dead cockroach – the stink from their decomposing carcasses adds yet another layer of stench.

Once you detect a bad smell, it’s time to get professional help because you won’t want that lingering aroma in your house. The sooner you remove it, the sooner you’ll have fresh-smelling air back.

Cockroach Droppings

Cockroaches leave behind more than a foul odour. Their droppings will provide you with obvious proof of their existence. Depending on the species and size of the roach, these droppings, which resemble tiny black or brown specks, often mimic ground pepper or coffee grounds.

Check under the refrigerator, in cabinets, and along baseboards. Should you find these traces, it raises questions about the presence of a nest nearby. 

Cockroach droppings can also aggravate allergies and asthma, especially in children, so your health and safety depend on responding right away by calling a bug exterminator.

Egg Casings

Egg casings, sometimes called oothecae, are another clear indication of a cockroach invasion. These lengthy, dark, oval-shaped sacs, which may house up to 50 eggs at a time, allow cockroaches to lay their eggs.

These casings may be found hidden away in cracks and crevices or under kitchen equipment in warm, dark, humid environments. Finding even one of these sacs indicates probably a bigger roach brood hiding in your house.

Using a professional exterminator will enable you to eradicate the adult roaches and any other possible breeding sites.

Smear Marks

Another obvious sign of their existence is smear marks, which are usually found close to washbasins, bathtubs and leaking pipes. 

The streaks are more obvious in areas where the infestation is concentrated as the roaches traverse damp surfaces. They might also be seen in corners and along walls where cockroaches usually roam.

Keeping your house dry and addressing any leaks will help lessen the attractiveness as these pests are drawn to water. 

However, if you notice such marks, it is clear that these pests have already made home. It would be advisable to let an exterminator handle the matter at this stage. They can pinpoint the main reason and provide preventative actions to stop the next outbreaks.

Shed Skin

Over their lifetime, cockroaches lose their skin multiple times as they develop. Usually light brown, this skin can be seen near their hiding locations or along their regular travel routes. Not only are cockroaches unsightly, but similar to their droppings, their skins can also trigger allergic reactions in susceptible people.

Finding shed skin around your house indicates that the cockroaches are active and breeding, which calls for a quick response. Therefore, you should bring in the experts if you come across these abandoned exoskeletons. 

An exterminator can evaluate the extent of the invasion and decide on the best line of action to free your house of these bugs.

Property Damage

Being scavengers, cockroaches will consume almost anything to survive; hence, they are not picky when it comes to destroying your house. 

They will nibble imprints or holes in your items as they chew through paper, cloth, leather, and even plastic. Not only are food containers, books, and important papers in danger but so are fabrics, including curtains and clothes.

Cockroaches could be the culprits if you have seen indications of gnawing or holes in odd areas. This type of harm goes beyond just annoyance since cockroaches can spread germs on surfaces and food. 

By tackling the infestation and offering advice to stop more harm, a roach exterminator may help you safeguard your house.

Increased Allergy or Asthma Symptoms

Many people find that having cockroaches aggravates their asthma or allergies. Sensitive people may react to cockroach allergens found in saliva, droppings, and shed skin. 

Especially at night, if you or a family member suddenly develop coughing, sneezing, or trouble breathing, it may indicate roaches are present.

Given their documented aggravation of asthma, especially in young children, it is imperative to treat an infestation as soon as any health consequences are observed. Using a professional roach exterminator guarantees not only that your house is free of pests but also safe for all the occupants.

Calling a Roach Exterminator

You have to act the instant you spot any of these signs. While do-it-yourself solutions might provide some temporary respite, cockroaches are tenacious creatures that typically return even more robust if not thoroughly eradicated.

Expert exterminators have the equipment, knowledge, and products to aggressively attack an infestation. They know where to search for nests and how to handle egg sacs and can offer long-lasting remedies that stop re-infestation.

Conclusion

Cockroaches can seriously damage your house and pose actual health hazards. Early indicators of an infestation, such as droppings, egg casings, and bad smells, can help you to respond quickly and successfully.

Once these bugs settle comfortably, they won’t go on their own. Therefore, don’t hesitate to contact a roach exterminator whether you already observe some of these warning signals or just want to be ready. 

Their assistance will help you to make sure your house stays cockroach-free and live-free from concern about unpleasant guests returning.

By Nick Vincent, November 21, 2024