5 Signs You Have a Cockroach Infestation

If you live in the Portland area, you know that cockroaches are common pests. These creatures reproduce quickly, so an infestation can quickly get out of control. In order to avoid major damage or health concerns, let us help you identify the top five signs of a cockroach infestation. Timely intervention is crucial to control cockroach infestations and mitigate health risks.

Daytime Activity of Nocturnal Insects

Cockroaches are commonly active at night. They usually scamper around your home in the dark and search for food. If you see them wandering during daylight hours, it may mean they have run out of hiding spaces or are competing for sources of food, which could indicate a major cockroach problem. Spotting them can be difficult due to their nocturnal nature, making early detection and addressing the infestation crucial.

Unpleasant Odor

German cockroaches emit a marking pheromone to communicate with other roaches that smells terrible. If you notice an unpleasant odor in your house, there is a high likelihood that an infestation has taken over.

Cockroach Droppings

When cockroaches are living in your home, you will begin to notice their droppings near their hiding places. Cockroaches leave behind feces and exoskeletons, which can trigger allergy symptoms and emit an unusual odor. Drawers, crevices of cupboards, corners, and edges of counters, and areas behind appliances are all likely to accumulate cockroach feces. You may see small droppings resembling coffee grounds or flakes of pepper. The corners of your home’s walls may have stains as well.

Roach Skins and Egg Cases

One of the telltale signs of a cockroach infestation is the presence of roach skins and egg cases. As cockroaches grow, they shed their skin, leaving behind a hard, empty shell known as a shed skin. These shed skins are often found in dark, moist areas such as under sinks or in basements. The presence of these skins indicates a growing cockroach population.

In addition to shed skins, you might also find cockroach egg cases, known as oothecae. These brown-tinted casings can house up to 50 eggs and are a clear sign of a female cockroach’s presence. German cockroaches, in particular, are known to carry their egg cases with them until they are ready to hatch. You might find these egg cases in various locations, including near food and water sources. Identifying and addressing these signs can help prevent further roach skins and egg cases from appearing.

Living (or Dead) Insects

Seeing live cockroaches is a clear and alarming sign of a cockroach infestation. These nocturnal insects are most active at night, making them difficult to spot during the day as they tend to hide in dark, cluttered areas. However, if you do see a live cockroach, it’s likely that there are many more hiding in your home.

Live cockroaches can be found in various locations, including near food and water sources, dirty dishes, and pet food. They thrive in areas with food and moisture, making kitchens and bathrooms prime spots for sightings. Additionally, dead cockroaches can also indicate an infestation, as they may die from poisoning, dehydration, or other causes. Identifying and addressing the infestation promptly can help prevent further cockroach sightings and ensure your home remains pest-free.

Roach Skins

When your home has a roach infestation, you may find several other indications. Dead roaches, shed skins from growing nymphs, and even oothecae can be seen. Ootheca (o-o-the-ca) are the brown-tinted casings able to house up to 50 cockroach eggs. Different species lay their oothecae in various ways, with some carrying them until the eggs are ready to hatch, while others deposit them in protected areas. These casings can be found in tight crevices, protected areas, or still attached to a female roach. Also, you may notice old skins as well. Depending on the time of year, you will be left to clean up their shed skin.

Roaches in the Bathroom or Kitchen

Roaches love moist areas, which means that they may hang out around your bathroom or kitchen sinks. Cockroaches tend to breed quickly and live in groups, making their presence a sign of a larger infestation. Plumbing voids, water lines, and electrical wiring all serve as readily accessible pathways to help them spread throughout a home. These insects have been known to survive on soap, toothpaste, dead insects, and even leather.

If you suspect an infestation, it is essential to call a professional pest control company. Active ingredients in over-the-counter and home remedies may cause activity to increase or spread from the original point of infestation.

At PURCOR, we use effective extermination methods to ensure your home remains free of cockroaches and other creatures. For quick service, call PURCOR or contact us to request a quote today.