Signs of a Cockroach Infestation

Cockroaches are probably one of the most universally-hated creatures in the world. Although theoretically cockroaches are good for soil and plants, their presence in any home or building is extremely unwelcome– and they can be really difficult to get rid of.

If you happen to suspect that your home is experiencing a cockroach infestation, you should continue to investigate. We’ve compiled a helpful guide of signs that may indicate a cockroach problem in your home or business.

Even if you don’t think there are cockroaches in your house, keeping these tips in mind for the future can help you identify and solve the problem as quickly as possible if it ever happens to you.

Fly by night

Cockroaches are nocturnal, which means that they are most active at night. If you’ve ever flipped a lightswitch on during the night and seen a cockroach zoom out of sight, you’re already familiar with this behavior!

However, if you spot a roach (or several) during the day, you should know that this can indicate a serious cockroach infestation. Unfortunately, cockroaches being “out and about” during the day is potentially a result of overcrowding– which means a lot of cockroaches in your home.

The white glove test

Keeping your home generally neat and tidy, especially kitchen areas, can be a good way to discourage cockroaches from entering your home.

Clean surfaces can also help you identify a cockroach problem, because inevitably they leave droppings behind. Different types of cockroaches leave different types of droppings, so you should keep an eye out for anything that doesn’t belong.

Small cockroaches will leave smaller droppings that look like coffee grounds, while the larger varieties leave larger droppings that can resemble mouse droppings.

A gross but simple way to differentiate between cockroach and mouse droppings: mouse droppings have pointed ends, while cockroach droppings have blunt ends.

During an infestation, cockroaches also lay eggs. You can identify egg casings fairly easily; they’re shiny, brown, and relatively large. 

If you see eggs, you should destroy them– this won’t eliminate the existing problem, but an egg case can hold up to 30 cockroach nymphs that you don’t want in your home.

Smell that?

Cockroaches unfortunately have a unique odor that accompanies an infestation. If you’ve noticed an unfamiliar, musty and oily smell around your home, plus any of the above signs, it’s worth taking a look around.

Call in the pros

A cockroach infestation isn’t something you can really handle on your own. Because they’re nocturnal and excellent at hiding, it’s unlikely that a non-professional can truly knock out an infestation on their own.

Instead, call the pros at Hopper Termite & Pest. We have decades of experience under our belts, plus the necessary chemicals and techniques that will eliminate a cockroach infestation while keeping you, your family, and your pets safe.

If you’ve noticed any of the signs listed here and want a professional’s opinion, give us a call today or send us a message. We’ll take care of it!