While there are steps you can take to deter cockroaches, they may still find their way into your home. Recognizing the problem early on can help you stop an infestation before it gets out of hand.
You should know that cockroaches are attracted to warmth, as well as food and water. They are nocturnal and tend to hide during the day. As such, they are much more active at night.
Early intervention can help reduce the potential health risks and damages associated with these pests. Knowing the signs of an infestation can help you take action- the sooner, the better!
Signs of Cockroaches
Knowing the signs of cockroaches allows you to take immediate action in the event of an infestation. Call a professional service like Phenom Pest Protection if you see any of the following signs of a cockroach infestation.
Cockroach Activity
The first thing you should look for is a sign of cockroach activity. Seeing cockroaches roaming around your home during the day is a red flag for a major infestation. Cockroaches are nocturnal, so seeing them in the daytime usually indicates a large infestation.
Damage Done by Roaches
Cockroaches damage things with organic matter, like books, leather materials, and food packaging.
Never eat food from a package with signs of cockroach damage. The product may well be contaminated.
Dead Cockroaches
Dead cockroaches can still pose health risks and carry disease. Also, when dead cockroaches are present, it means live ones are just around the corner.
Egg Capsules (Oothecae)
Cockroach capsules are dark brown, although some can have a red hue. Each capsule has up to 50 eggs. The female roaches usually carry it for one to two days before dropping it off.
For the most part, cockroach eggs are difficult to find because they are usually well-hidden. It’s common to find them underneath furniture and behind picture frames.
Musty Smell
Cockroaches produce various odorous chemicals. These chemicals give off a lingering musty smell. If you notice this musty odor in your home, you should contact a professional pest control service as soon as possible.
Roach Feces
Cockroaches eat a lot of food which means they produce a lot of waste. The droppings can cause a lot of trouble as they leave dark stains even after being removed. They look like coffee grounds or black pepper.
Cockroach droppings can also create a contamination risk in your kitchen, pantry, and storage areas.
Smear Marks
Another sign of a cockroach infestation is their hallmark smear marks. These occur when there is enough moisture for them to spread liquified feces around. If you notice brown smear marks on the surfaces of your home, you probably have a serious infestation.
Shed Skin
Cockroaches shed their skin multiple times as they mature. If you notice a lot of these discarded skins, it means the infestation is severe.
Where Can I Find Cockroaches?
Areas with high humidity and an abundance of food are prime target areas for cockroaches. Here’s a list of the most common places to find them.
- Basements and crawl spaces
- The bases and corner joints of walls
- Inside any cracks or crevices in baseboards
- Behind stacks of paper, cardboard boxes, or stored valuables
- Bathrooms
- Behind and under cabinet joints, bathtubs, showers, sink, and toilets
- Kitchens
- Behind and under countertops, cupboards, cabinets, and kitchen appliances like ovens and refrigerators
- Utility/Laundry Rooms
- Inside the washer or dryer motors
- Behind, inside, and under storage cabinets
- Drainage Systems
- In pipe ducts or damaged drain covers
Need to Get Rid of Cockroaches? Call Phenom Pest Protection!
Cockroaches have excellent hiding skills, so it can be hard removing them yourself. As long as there is food, water, and a place to hide, cockroaches are happy to invade your home.
If you see any of the signs mentioned, it’s time to call Phenom Pest Protection. We offer guaranteed pest control solutions, including professional residential and commercial pest control services for Baltimore and the surrounding areas of Maryland. We create customized pest control plans to suit the specific needs of your home or business. Call today to schedule your pest control inspection and let us handle the rest.
