Signs of a Cockroach Infestation

Introduction

Cockroaches are often found in kitchens, offices, and other locations where people eat or store their foods. They can be a nuisance, but they can also carry harmful germs. Cockroaches are Insecta, order Blattodea. They are the smallest of the five orders of insects and range in size from 0.5 to 2.5 mm. Cockroaches have a characteristic six-segmented antennae, three pairs of eyes, and a narrow body. Adult cockroaches are brown, but the young are black or reddish brown.

Cockroaches are omnivorous and eat a variety of things, including food, sweets, grease, and other debris. If you see cockroaches in your home, be sure to clean up the area and contact a ACME Pest Solutions to get rid of them. It is often easier to spot signs of a cockroach problem than the actual insect pest. Cockroaches are mostly nocturnal, during the day they prefer to stay hidden in cracks and crevices, coming out to feed mostly at night time.

Cockroach Infestation Signs

  • Unusual smell – An established cockroach infestation produces a lingering and unpleasant odor that taints items they contact.
  • Cockroach droppings – If little water is available cockroaches will produce brown/black cylindrical droppings, approx. 2mm long.
  • Smear marks – If water is abundant cockroaches will produce brown and irregular shaped smear marks. Check for marks on horizontal surfaces and at wall-floor junctions where cockroaches scuttle along.
  • Shed skins – Cockroaches shed ‘cast nymphal’ skins 5-8 times as they mature to adults. These shed skins are usually found close to where the cockroaches are sheltering.

Where to check for a Cockroach Infestation

  • Bathrooms – right at the back of bathroom cabinets (especially if they are full of soaps and toiletry products that have been stored for a while) or medicine cabinets. Check plumbing behind sinks, baths and toilets, anywhere they can hide in sheltered dark spaces with access to water even if it’s simply condensation.
  • Kitchens – look in cupboards and cabinets, pay particular attention to hidden areas with pipework such as under sinks and behind dishwashers. Sometimes cockroaches can be found in the upper inside corner of cupboards, hanging upside down out of sight. Nooks and crannies of appliances with motors, offering warmth and hidden crevices like backs of cookers, fridges and freezers are another area to check carefully.
  • Laundry rooms – cupboards under sinks, where plumbing enters through walls or floors leading to washing machines and tumble dryers. Also check warm areas near the motors at the back of washers and dryers.
  • Basements – search along the base and corner joints of walls in cellars for any gaps cockroaches could squeeze through. Cracks in wood baseboards or floor cavities are opportune areas for them to hide.
  • Drains – as some species like Oriental cockroaches can survive in drier, cooler areas. Look around down pipes for cracks and crevices they might hide in, as well as damaged drain covers they could scuttle through. Other areas to check are pipe ducts and any opening beneath porches or decking.

Common Cockroach Pests

  • Oriental cockroaches– can cope with cooler, damp conditions and are more common scuttling about in basements or drains. If conditions are tolerable they can survive outside. They are not as agile as German cockroaches, but can climb a surface such as rough brickwork.
  • German cockroaches – need warmth and humidity to survive, so are likely to be found in and around bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchen areas. They are also good climbers, scaling smooth surfaces like glass and polished metal with ease; due to sticky pads on their feet.
  • Brown banded cockroaches – also need warmth and humidity but are quite adaptable, often harboring in a building some distance from obvious sources of food and water. They can easily run and may if conditions are warm enough fly.

Conclusion

Do you see any cockroaches in your home? If so, you may be suffering from an infestation and need professional treatment. Cockroaches can be quite troublesome and can cause a lot of damage if not dealt with properly. A qualified pest control company like ACME Pest Solutions can help get rid of your cockroach infestation quickly and safely. They have the necessary equipment and knowledge to get the job done right.

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