How To Tell If You Have A Cockroach Infestation

Cockroaches are resilient pests. There isn’t much that can kill them, and they are able to go for a long period of time without food. Cockroaches are also adept at flying under the radar; homeowners often don’t know they have a pest control problem until there is a serious cockroach infestation going on.

It is important to address a cockroach infestation quickly because they spread bacteria and have the potential to make you sick. How do you know if you have a cockroach infestation in your home? There are certain cockroach infestation signs to look for, and some are easier to figure out than others.

Cockroaches in Your Neighborhood Could Become Cockroaches in Your Home

If your neighbors indicate that they are dealing with roaches, it is best to be on guard. These little pests spread quickly, and there is a good chance that they will move over to your home eventually. In warmer states like Florida, cockroaches can be seen in neighborhoods year-round. This means that cockroach season in Florida, which falls in the late summer, gives rise to populations that are nearly overwhelming. This also means that there is a higher likelihood of cockroaches relocating from a neighbor’s home to yours, which is why preventive pest control measures like taking out your trash regularly or wiping down your counters and tables after a meal are important. Get in the habit of sweeping and vacuuming. If cockroaches don’t find food, they are less likely to infest your home. However, sometimes there is nothing you can do. Even if you keep a very clean home, cockroaches in your home are still a possibility.

Cockroach Infestation Sign: You Find Their Droppings in Your Home

Cockroach droppings aren’t hard to find if you know what you are looking for. They are most commonly compared to black pepper, but they can also look a little like coffee grounds as well. If you find droppings, it is important to clean them up. Make sure you wear protective gloves and thoroughly sanitize the area to make sure that it is free of the bacteria that roaches leave behind.

What do Cockroaches Smell Like?

If there are a lot of cockroaches in a given space, you’ll notice an odor that is a little musky and a little oily. If you pick up on this, it likely means that you are experiencing an infestation of pests, most likely a cockroach infestation. If there are enough roaches to cause a noticeable odor in your home, something has to be done to address the situation.

Finding Dead Cockroaches is a Sign of Cockroach Infestation

There are certain places where cockroaches lurk, including under sinks, by the water heater and in the pantry. Check these areas carefully to see if you find any dead cockroaches. There are some big roaches in Florida, as well as in New Jersey, and their bodies can be startling to find. Florida cockroach sizes range from ½ inch to 3 inches, while New Jersey cockroach sizes range from ½ inch to 2 inches. It is important to note that cockroaches vary a great deal in size; many smaller species are commonly mistaken for other bugs. If you discover something, you can assume that there are a lot of live cockroaches hidden around your property. Don’t be fooled into thinking that some dead cockroaches means that they are all dying off, however. For every cockroach that you do see, whether it is dead or alive, there are almost certainly more that you can’t see because they are nestled out of sight.

It is important to address a cockroach infestation as soon as possible. If you think you have a problem, get in touch with Excel Termite & Pest Control to see how we can help. As one of the leaders of New Jersey pest control, we know a thing or two about how to handle pests. You’ll ultimately save money if you take steps to handle the problem rather than waiting until it is out of control. If you know what to look for, you can get service started right away and take back control of your house!

For more information about Cockroaches read through our Cockroaches’ FAQ page.