Signs of a cockroach infestation

It is often easier to spot signs of a cockroach infestation than the actual pest. Cockroaches are mostly nocturnal. During the day, they prefer to stay hidden in cracks and crevices, coming out to feed mostly at night.

Cockroaches are attracted to all types of food available in your home. They will eat anything from food, paper, and packaging to plastics and fabrics. If you suspect a problem in your home or business, there are some simple ways to tell if you have cockroaches. If you’re not sure, get in touch with our cockroach control experts today.

Droppings

Cockroaches leave behind dark droppings that appear very similar to coffee grounds or black pepper. The droppings are less than one millimeter wide and vary in length. If you do find what you suspect to be cockroach droppings, use caution in cleaning them up. Cockroaches will eat just about anything, and the pathogens from their past meals live on in their digestive systems. Bacteria can easily be spread through their droppings.

Smear marks

In areas with high moisture, cockroaches will produce dark, irregularly shaped smear marks as they crawl along walls or even when they rest. You may see these marks on horizontal surfaces and at wall-floor junctions where cockroaches are most active.

Egg capsules

Cockroaches lay egg cases, or oothecae, containing multiple eggs. The ootheca is a bit different for each cockroach species. The German cockroach ootheca has about 18 segments, whereas the brown-banded cockroach has only about eight segments. Conversely, Oriental and American cockroach oothecae have no clear segmentation. Instead, they have circular, raised areas just below the keel.

Most cockroach species drop the ootheca immediately, but the German cockroach carries it around until it is about to hatch. When it does hatch, it releases about 30 tiny nymphs. If you see these egg casings around your property, get in touch.

Shed skin

As they grow in size and progress through the various lifecycle stages into adulthood, cockroaches shed their skin five to eight times. If cockroaches are present, you will likely see these shed skins of varying sizes around your home or business.

Property damage

As previously stated, cockroaches will eat nearly anything. They often leave behind chew marks and other signs of damage on items other than just food packaging. Cockroaches will even eat through materials such as leather and book pages.

Unusual odor

Cockroaches leave feces behind wherever they live and sleep. These droppings produce a pheromone that attracts other cockroaches to the area. To humans, the pheromone presents itself as a lingering, musty, and unpleasant odor. As a cockroach infestation grows, the scent will become increasingly intense, tainting more and more items and surfaces.

Dead cockroaches

Finding dead roaches around your property is one of the most obvious and common signs of a cockroach infestation. These pests often die near food sources or in hidden areas after being exposed to treatments or unfavorable conditions. Keep an eye out for their reddish, oval bodies or dried-up exoskeleton remains, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

Daytime sightings

If you see cockroaches during the day, it means you have a serious cockroach infestation issue and it’s imperative you address it. These insects are nocturnal by nature, so daytime activity could suggest a serious infestation where the nest has grown large enough to push roaches out of it, or that food sources have become limited, forcing them out into the open. If you notice increased activity, especially in areas like kitchens or where pet food is stored, get in touch with Western Exterminator for a thorough inspection and a free quote.

German vs. Oriental cockroaches: what to know

German and Oriental cockroaches are two of the most common species found in homes and businesses. While both can cause problems, they differ in appearance, habits, and where they tend to hide.

• German cockroaches are smaller, usually light brown or tan, with two dark stripes on their back. They reproduce quickly and prefer warm, humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. Because they thrive indoors, infestations can grow fast if not handled quickly.
• Oriental cockroaches are larger and darker. They are shiny black or very dark brown in color. They move more slowly and are often found in cooler, damp areas such as basements, crawl spaces, or drains. Oriental cockroaches are also more likely to be spotted outdoors near decaying organic matter.

Different cockroach species may need different treatment methods. Our technicians will inspect your property and identify the species so we can take the right steps to address the issue.