Signs Of A Cockroach Infestation

There are over 4,000 different cockroach species in the world, but the two most commonly found in Humboldt County are the German and American cockroaches.  German cockroaches are light brown, have two parallel dark stripes on their sides, and are usually less than an inch long (the photo above is of a German cockroach). American cockroaches are reddish-brown and can grow to be roughly 1.5 inches. Both species can be a problem and are attracted to homes and businesses for similar reasons. 

What Can Cause A Cockroach Infestation?

Cockroaches need three things to survive: food, warmth, and shelter. While you may think it’s common to see one or a few cockroaches in your house, there may be many more that you can’t see inside your walls. Roaches can get inside your home through tiny holes and cracks by making themselves skinnier than usual to fit through these entry points. Once they find their way inside, cockroaches will hide away and breed quickly. One cockroach egg is capable of birthing up to 30 roach nymphs. This is why it’s important to act fast when you first spot a few cockroaches in your home. 

Sometimes spotting a few cockroaches isn’t enough to confirm a cockroach infestation. 

6 Signs Of A Cockroach Infestation on Your Property

1 – Cockroach Droppings

Droppings are usually less than 1mm wide and are a sure sign of an infestation. Cockroach droppings may look like pepper or coffee grounds to the untrained eye. The more droppings you find, the bigger the infestation likely is. 

2 – Bad Smells and Foul Odors

With cockroach droppings come foul smells and odors. Cockroach droppings include pheromones that attract neighboring cockroaches. If you smell an unusual musty or oily smell that becomes stronger and more intense over time, you likely have a cockroach infestation on your hands.

3 – Smear Marks and Streaks

Cockroaches will leave greasy streak marks on walls as they squeeze through cracks and crevices. These marks are usually brown and irregularly shaped, similar to a Rorschach test. Look for these markings around the perimeter of your home and on horizontal surfaces.

4 – Skin Shedding

Cockroaches will shed their skin 5-8 times over the course of their life cycle. You’ll see plenty of skin sheds ranging in size around your property if a cockroach infestation is present. 

5 – Egg Capsules

Cockroaches lay their eggs in capsules. Each capsule can hold up to 30 eggs and are dark, oblong cases roughly 6-10mm long. Female cockroaches can lay about one capsule a month. Fewer signs are more evident that you have a cockroach infestation than an empty egg capsule.

6 – Property Damage

Cockroaches are more than gross insects. They are also capable of damaging your property. Cockroaches will eat just about anything and can damage all sorts of materials, including furniture, food, books, and insulation. Signs of cockroach damage include chew marks and their droppings. 

Schedule Cockroach Control With 707 Pest Solutions

If you suspect a cockroach infestation, contact 707 Pest Solutions for a thorough inspection of your property. Our technicians will verify whether or not cockroaches are active in your home and recommend the necessary next steps to control the infestation.

We offer cockroach control methods to exterminate existing roaches and can implement treatments to help deny cockroaches access into your home. Contact our office to get started with your cockroach control service today!