Cockroach infestations are among the most common pest problems and can be hard to treat. Not only do people find it icky to touch anything cockroach-related, but they are also notoriously difficult to get rid of.
Now, the first thing to do is to be aware of the signs of a cockroach infestation. Every cockroach problem can be traced back to a few common signs. In this article, we will talk about some of the common signs of a cockroach infestation and how to deal with them.
Cockroach Droppings
Cockroach droppings are those small cylindrical pellets with ridges on the sides. They resemble ground coffee. Cockroaches will leave their droppings wherever they travel, so the first thing to do is to look for any droppings around your house.
Since they are nocturnal creatures, you can first check in the dark spots of your home, including under beds, behind refrigerators, or anywhere else they can hide.
Cockroach Eggs
Cockroaches live in colonies, and when they reproduce, they lay eggs in clusters. You can identify these egg cases by their unique shape – oval-shaped with a distinct ridge on one side of the case.
These egg cases are usually found in dark corners of your home or crevices. The usual size of these egg cases ranges from 5 to 10mm in length.
Stench or Foul Odor
An established cockroach infestation produces an unpleasant musty smell that some people compare to the smell of stale corn chips.
If you notice this unpleasant smell near your home, it’s a sign there is a roach infestation nearby.
Frequent Sightings
German cockroach sightings are the most common type of cockroach you might find in your home. These small, dark-brown insects measure about 1/2 inch long and have two parallel lines running from the head to the wings.
If you spot German cockroaches scurrying around your kitchen or bathroom, it’s a sure sign that an infestation has taken hold.
Another type of roach is the brown-banded cockroach. These are small, light-brown insects measuring about 1/2 inch long.
They have two lighter bands running across the body and wings. If you see these cockroaches in your home, it’s a sign that an infestation is present.
Shed Skin
Cockroaches molt their skin several times to grow, so shed skin is another potential sign that you have a cockroach infestation. You can find their discarded exoskeletons near their nesting areas.
This is a normal phenomenon, especially for adult roaches. These are often mistaken as dead roaches, but they are just empty shells that have been left behind.
Smear Marks
Cockroaches often leave behind smear marks on walls and other surfaces. This is caused by their oily bodies leaving a dark trail as they travel across surfaces. The smears are usually black or brown and can easily be seen against light-colored walls or furniture. It is important to distinguish the difference between smear marks and droppings since both will appear similar.
Things You Can Do to Prevent Roach Infestation
Once you have identified signs of a cockroach infestation, it’s important to take action and get rid of them ASAP.
Aside from professional pest control treatment, here are some things you can do to keep cockroaches away:
Clean Your Place Regularly
A cockroach infestation can simply mean you have been too lazy to clean your house. These pests are attracted to dirt, so if you keep your place clean and tidy, cockroaches will have a hard time finding food and shelter.
Store Food Properly
Make sure to store all of your food in airtight containers so that cockroaches won’t be able to get to it. Also, regularly check your cupboards and pantries for food scraps or crumbs that might have fallen on the floor as these can attract cockroaches.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
Cockroaches like to hide in small hidden crevices, so check around your windows and doors for any cracks or gaps where they can squeeze through. If you find any, use a sealant to fill in the cracks and prevent roaches from entering your home.
Keep Your Home Dry
Cockroaches need moisture to survive, so keeping your home dry is key to preventing them from nesting there. Check if all water pipes and fixtures are in good condition, and repair any leaks immediately. Also, clean up spills immediately so that there is no standing water for roaches to drink.
Why Calling A Professional Pest Control Important
Why doing your own pest control can be helpful, it is often not enough to completely get rid of an infestation. Cockroaches can be hard to reach and hard to identify, so calling a professional pest control service is the best way to ensure that you have taken all the necessary steps in getting rid of them.
Pest control in Scottsdale, AZ can help you identify the type of roach and provide a tailored plan to eliminate them from your home. They will also inspect your place for areas where cockroaches may be hiding, targeting the most effective treatment possible.
Call Arizona Pest Solutions Today
If you are in Scottsdale and suspect your home has a cockroach problem, Arizona Pest Solutions can help. We specialize in cockroach control, and our experienced exterminators will work with you to create a customized plan to get rid of the infestation.
You might be wondering whether you need pest control. There is no better time to be ready from cockroach infestations but now!
Feel free to read our blog post about Winter Pest Control and learn the importance of getting ready regardless of the season.
Call us today, and let us take care of your pest problem!
