In pop culture, cockroaches have come to symbolize an unsightly home or business. Larger than the average fly or ant, with a distinct shape and color, their signature scurry when the lights come on has made them a staple in cartoons, movies, and TV shows for decades. Despite their notoriety, it’s not always immediately clear when you have a cockroach infestation on your hands.
There’s a saying that when the world ends, only cockroaches will survive, and that’s because cockroaches are expert survivalists. They have a knack for staying out of sight, going long periods of time without food, and wriggling into small nooks and crannies. Luckily, there are several signs to be aware of if you suspect cockroaches may be cozying up to your home or business.
Signs You Have a Cockroach Infestation
1. Cockroach Droppings
Cockroach droppings look like small, black or dark brown specks, similar to ground pepper or coffee grounds. They are commonly found in areas where they feed, hide, and travel frequently, such as kitchen cabinets, along baseboards, under appliances, and more.
If you're unsure whether you're looking at leftover crumbs or cockroach droppings, consult a professional pest control company to assess the situation.
2. An Unpleasant Smell
If there’s a weird musk lingering around your home and you can’t seem to find the source, it could be a sign of a cockroach infestation. Like many insects, cockroaches release pheromones to communicate with each other, find food and mates, and navigate the world. Additionally, a cockroach’s skin and droppings, which they leave behind when they molt, can contribute to the overall not-so-great smell cockroaches are known for.
3. You Find Egg Casings
Cockroach egg casings are quite small but vary based on the species type. The two most common cockroach species in the US are the American cockroach and German cockroach.
American cockroaches leave egg casings that are about ⅜ inch in length and dark brown, while the German cockroach's egg casings are a little smaller, measuring about ¼ inch in length and are lighter in color.
4. Allergy Symptoms Flare Up
Cockroach allergies are surprisingly common. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, cockroach allergy symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Stuffy nose
- Itchy nose, mouth, or throat
- Postnasal drip (a flow of mucus from behind your nose into your throat)
- Cough
- Itchy skin or skin rash
If you’re suddenly finding yourself experiencing symptoms of an allergy, it could be related to the unwanted residents of your basement or attic.
5. Cockroach Smears
Another unfortunate sign of cockroaches is the red-brown smear or streak they leave behind. This may look like a food stain, but it’s actually the unpleasant residue left by a cockroach passing by.
6. Signs of Eating
Cockroaches are highly opportunistic eaters, able to survive on a surprisingly wide range of materials. If you see signs of nibbling, it could be due to cockroaches. Here’s what to look for:
- Damaged Food Packaging: Small chew marks on cardboard boxes, plastic bags, and paper wrappings are common signs that cockroaches have been foraging.
- Leftover Crumbs or Food Debris: Cockroaches will target crumbs left on countertops, floors, and shelves, so any unexplained food bits may be a sign of roach activity.
- Stains or Smears on Food Surfaces: Look for unusual stains or greasy smears around food areas, as cockroaches often leave these marks while foraging.
- Chewed Paper or Cardboard: Cockroaches will consume cellulose, so paper products, cardboard, and even book bindings can show signs of gnawing.
- Pet Food: Cockroaches are drawn to pet food, so any pet food left out overnight might be a source of infestation. Check for small chew marks or crumbs near pet feeding areas.
- Soap and Toiletries: In some cases, cockroaches may chew on bar soap, toothpaste, or hygiene products. Look for small bites or missing pieces around bathroom areas.
- Rotting Organic Matter: Cockroaches are attracted to garbage, compost, and food waste, so if you notice rotting organic matter being disturbed, they may be the culprits.
7. You See a Cockroach (Or Multiple)
This sign seems pretty obvious but it’s important to note that if you find cockroaches crawling across your kitchen floor, or even worse, crawling on you, it’s likely the infestation has reached critical levels. Roaches are nocturnal, so spotting one during the day is especially worrisome and may mean nests are at capacity.
Cockroach Identification: What Do They Look Like?
Cockroaches are distinct pests, but their appearance can vary slightly between species. Here’s what to look for if you suspect a cockroach infestation:
- Size: Adult cockroaches typically range from ½ to 2 inches in length, depending on the species. German cockroaches are on the smaller side (½ inch), while American cockroaches can reach up to 2 inches.
- Shape and Color: Cockroaches have flat, oval-shaped bodies with six legs and two long antennae. They range in color from light brown to dark reddish-brown, with some species, like the German cockroach, featuring two dark stripes on their backs.
- Wings: While some cockroaches have wings, most are not strong fliers. American cockroaches may glide short distances, while German cockroaches rarely use their wings.
- Movement: Known for their quick, scurrying movements, cockroaches are usually spotted darting for cover when exposed to light. If you see cockroaches during the day, this can be a sign of a severe infestation.
Call Plunkett’s to Stop Your Cockroach Infestation
Whether your cockroach issue has reached critical levels or you’ve noticed one of the tell-tale signs, contact Plunkett’s for our expert pest control services. For over 100 years, we’ve been helping homes get rid of pest problems, like cockroaches, by tackling the underlying issues, rather than applying quick fixes.
