Spotting A Roach Infestation

Deemed “the world’s oldest pest,” roaches have been prevalent throughout history. The secret to their resiliency and longevity? Most likely, their ability to remain unseen!

Being nocturnal, these insects spend most of the day hiding away before coming out at night. In fact, the German Food Roach, a species commonly found in kitchens, spends over 75% of their life in hiding! Roaches can also fit in narrow, inaccessible spaces, such as under the floor, behind wallpaper, or between kitchen appliances. In short, roach infestations can be very difficult to detect!

Sometimes, the best way (and only way) to identify a roach infestation is through the signs they leave behind. Keep reading to learn about common signs of a roach infestation, as well as what you can do to prevent and deal with them.

Is it a Roach Infestation? Here are 6 Signs that it is.

  1. Roach droppings. These are usually dark and small, almost like coffee grounds or mouse droppings.
  2. Bad smells. Roach feces actually emits a certain pheromone that attracts other roaches. However, that pheromone smells strange and musty to humans. If you notice any unusual smells in your home, it could be from roaches.
  3. Roach eggs. Their egg cases are oval-shaped and light-colored.
  4. Darting movement. Roaches may be seen moving quickly between walls, corners, and spaces, especially in the middle of the night or in dark areas.
  5. Shed skin. Roaches shed their exoskeleton many times throughout their lives, leaving behind leftover skin of varying sizes.
  6. Damage to property. Roaches will eat just about anything, so you may see chew marks or slight damage to food containers or other materials.

4 Ways to Prevent a Roach Infestation

  • Maintain good sanitation. Keeping your eating and living space clean is absolutely essential. Properly sealing food containers, wiping up crumbs, cleaning under appliances, vacuuming regularly, mopping and sanitizing floors and counters, emptying the trash can, and other sanitation practices will greatly deter roaches.
  • Sealing points of entry. If you live in an old, drafty house, or are undergoing renovations, it’s a good idea to look into securing cracks between walls, utility pipes, doors, windows, etc. to keep out roaches and other pests.
  • Quickly dispose of food packaging and bags. Roaches and their eggs can be carried into your home unknowingly on grocery bags, produce boxes, beverage containers and more. Make sure to dispose of these items quickly and efficiently to limit your risk of an infestation.
  • Eliminate moist spaces. Roaches love warm, damp spaces like basements, behind toilets, and under sinks. Properly clean and inspect these spaces, or perhaps invest in a dehumidifier.

Why You Should Be Proactive About Roaches

Besides being an annoying pest, roaches can contaminate your food and home environment very quickly. In less than a year, a single female German Food Roach can produce several thousand new roaches.

Roaches are considered a major health risk, capable of transmitting disease pathogens, like bacteria that causes food poisoning, as well as triggering asthma, watery eyes and even skin rashes in some people. They will eat almost anything, from paper to cotton to flour, all the while rapidly reproducing. If you spot a single roach in your home or workplace, there are likely to be more, and they may have already contaminated your living space.

Dealing With A Roach Infestation

If you notice signs of an infestation, even without seeing roaches themselves, don’t hesitate to seek help. Call a licensed pest control professional like the pros at Black Diamond, to help you safely and effectively eliminate an infestation for good. Just dial 877-DEAD-BUG anytime!