Cockroach infestation signs

Discovering a roach infestation requires immediate action to ensure a fast solution to the problem and minimize the health risks associated with this insect. Cockroaches are usually attracted to food sources on your property. They will eat anything from food, paper, packaging, plastics and fabrics to animal matter (e.g. hamster and rabbit droppings).

It is often easier to spot signs of a problem in your home or business rather than an actual live cockroach. As nocturnal creatures, cockroaches usually hide out of sight during the day and become more active in their search for food at night.

Worried about cockroaches in your house? Call Ehrlich today at 1-800-837-5520 or contact us online for fast, responsive service every day. 

• Cockroach droppings - Cockroaches leave a dust of black droppings less than 1mm wide and of varying lengths.
  
  
• Shed skin - Look for this evidence in locations you suspect they are sheltering. Cockroaches shed nymphal skins 5-8 times as they mature to adults.
  
  
• Smear marks - Check for marks on horizontal surfaces and at wall-floor junctions where cockroaches are active. If water is abundant, cockroaches will produce brown and irregularly shaped smear marks.
  
  
• Egg capsules - Cockroaches lay their eggs in a capsule containing multiple eggs. The capsule is unique for each species of cockroach.
  
  
• Damage - Look for unusual signs of damage, not just on food packaging. Cockroaches will attack organic goods including leather and books.
  
  
• Unusual odor - An established cockroach infestation produces a lingering and unpleasant musty smell that taints items with which they come in contact.

• Bathrooms
  • Back cabinet joints: cockroaches love to snack on soap residue, toilet paper, and tissues, so they often hide here
  • Plumbing behind sinks, bathtubs, showers, and toilets: cockroaches prefer sheltered dark spaces with access to water
• Kitchens
  • Cupboards and cabinets: the darkness draws the cockroaches in, especially when the cabinet has pipes inside
  • Appliances: these provide warmth (from the motor) and hidden crevices in which to hide
• Laundry Rooms
  • Washer/Dryer motor: heat put off by the motor attracts cockroaches
  • Cabinets: pay close attention to cabinets that might contain any source of moisture
• Basements
  • Bases and corner joints of walls: these areas often have small holes through which cockroaches can enter
  • Cracks or gaps in baseboards: cockroaches will hide in these small areas
  • Stored paper or cardboard: cockroaches will eat and hide in these materials
• Drains
  • Damaged drain covers: cockroaches can fit through incredibly small spaces, so even a insignificant defect can become a big problem
  • Pipe ducts: these can easily get cracked, leaving just enough room for roaches to enter

Getting rid of a cockroach infestation can be very difficult. By nature, cockroaches are very good at hiding. It’s also true if you see one cockroach, there are likely dozens or hundreds more you can’t see. Finding how cockroaches got into the house can be tricky because these insects can fit into nearly any space, no matter how small.

If you have noticed any of the cockroach signs above, you need to contact Ehrlich for professional roach treatments to get rid of cockroaches quickly. We use the latest technology and innovation to effectively keep cockroaches away. Our specialists will find where the cockroaches are hiding to get rid of the infestation and offer assistance in preventing a return.

Professional cockroach control can provide a long-term solution to your problem and prevent an infestation in the future. Contact Ehrlich via our online form or call us at 800-837-5520 for an effective and reliable solution to a cockroach infestation or any other pest problem.