Signs of Cockroaches

Because cockroaches are nocturnal creatures, you’ll probably see signs of cockroaches before actually seeing one scurrying across your floor. Educating yourself on how to spot the them can protect your home and family from severe cockroach infestations in the future. 

The sooner you spot these signs of cockroaches, the faster a professional pest control company will be able to provide you with cockroach control solutions so you can live pest-free.

Signs of cockroaches

Look out for the following indications of a cockroach infestation:

• Cockroach droppings - Cockroaches leave behind a dust of black droppings less than 1mm wide and of varying lengths.
   
• Shed skin - Look for this evidence in locations you suspect they are sheltering. Cockroaches shed nymphal skins 5-8 times as they mature to adulthood.
   
• Smear marks - Check for marks on horizontal surfaces and at wall-floor junctions where cockroaches are active. If water is abundant, cockroaches will produce brown and irregularly shaped smear marks.
   
• Egg capsules - Cockroaches lay their eggs in a capsule containing multiple eggs. The capsule is unique for each species of cockroach.
   
• Damage - Look for unusual signs of damage, not just on food packaging. Cockroaches will attack organic goods including leather and books.
   
• Unusual odor - An established cockroach infestation produces a lingering and unpleasant musty smell that taints items with which they come in contact.

Dead cockroaches

Dead cockroaches are a sure sign that you have a cockroach infestation. You may find them laying on their back the next morning. Roaches hide under sinks, refrigerators, stoves and in cabinets so you may even find them there.

Cockroach eggs

Cockroach eggs are produced in egg casings call oothecae, which hold multiple eggs. Oothecae are light to dark brown in color and can hold anywhere from 10 to 50 eggs, depending on the species.

Cockroach droppings

Cockroach droppings look like coffee grounds and the size of cockroaches in your home will determine the size of these droppings. The more cockroach droppings you find, the higher number of cockroaches you have on your property.

Cockroach sightings during the day

If you see cockroaches during the day, it means you have a serious cockroach infestation issue and it’s imperative you address it. This means the cockroach nest has grown large enough to push roaches out of it, giving them little option to hide.

Cockroach odor

Believe it or not, cockroaches give off a particular odor. Pest specialists describe it as a musty, strong odor that intensifies as the infestation grows larger. This odor even arises from dead roaches and the smell can linger in the air after cockroaches are removed.

Signs of German cockroaches vs. Oriental cockroaches

German cockroaches and oriental cockroaches are a couple of the most common cockroaches homeowners have issues with. 

The German cockroach is smaller than American roaches which makes the German roach easier to identify. Because of their small size, German roaches can hide in nooks and crannies, making them tougher to find. German roaches are typically found in warm and moist environments like kitchens, bathrooms, under sinks, dishwashers and stoves. 

Oriental cockroaches are known as water bugs or black beetles. Compared to German roaches, Oriental roaches need a sufficient water source in order to survive. Oriental roaches prefer moist places to hide but are often found in cool dark spaces. They can't climb smooth vertical surfaces so Oriental roaches are one of the least agile species. 

Both roaches have wings but can't fly. As with any other cockroach species, if you find one, there are bound to be more roaches hiding in your home. 

Professional cockroach control

Cockroach infestations are no joke. Not only are cockroaches eerie to look at, but they are known for spreading illness and even exacerbating asthma-related issues. 

Western Exterminator Specialists will treat the source of your cockroach infestation and prevent them from returning in the future. 

Start living pest free with Western Exterminator. Contact us online or call 800-937-8398.