Although most people think that they would know if they had cockroaches, these insects are extremely stealthy and can often manage to stay undetected for long periods of time. By the time you do realize that you have an infestation, the problem may already be large and difficult to handle. So how do you know if you have a potential cockroach problem or not?
First of all, it’s important to know if you’re at risk. Although cockroaches live around the world in many different types of climates, some areas are friendlier to them than others. If you live in a warm region with many insects, you know that others in your area have had roach problems, or if you’ve struggled with infestations in the past, it’s important to keep a close eye.
If your house is infested with roaches, your first clue that they are around is their droppings. These may look like little peppercorns, coffee grounds, or even small black cylinders, depending on the size and type of the roach. They will occur in areas that the roaches frequent the most, such as dark corners and small crevices. The more feces you find, the bigger your infestation probably is.
Some cockroaches emit a distinctive smell that is both oily and musky. Although an individual insect might not smell strong enough for you to notice it, bugs can create a distinctly unpleasant odor.
One reason you may have cockroaches is that you've created a welcoming environment for them. Cockroaches love spilled and dropped food, so if you have piles of crumbs, forgotten snacks, or open food containers, you may want to be on the lookout. The insects also need water to survive and thrive where small puddles or drips occur, so make sure that you watch out for any spills or leaks.
Egg casings are another potential clue that can alert you to an infestation. When a cockroach lays eggs, she will produce a single egg casing that can hold as many as 20 to 50 eggs inside of it. After the eggs hatch, the casing is left behind. They tend to be long, light brown, and hollow inside - a very clear sign of an infestation.
Finally, if you see dead or alive cockroaches then you know you have an issue. Even if you only find one or two, it’s highly likely that there are many more you can’t see. It’s important to nip the problem in the bud and get rid of cockroaches in your home now before the problem gets any bigger.
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