Signs Of Cockroach Activity

For a cockroach, hiding is a matter of survival—so don't expect to see roaches when they get into your home. They don't even show themselves at night, which is when most roaches are active. You might think, "Okay, then, why do I occasionally see one in my bathroom?" That is a bad sign. If the roaches in your home show themselves, the population is likely high, and available food sources are likely low. This causes the roaches to compete for meals. (It is even worse when you see lots of tiny roaches.) Most of the time, roaches stay hidden. That is why knowing how to find signs of cockroach activity is essential. Here's what you need to know.

What are the signs of a cockroach problem?

Even though cockroaches are good at hiding, they leave plenty of signs behind. Here are a few telltale signs to look out for inside your home:

• Droppings
  Cockroach droppings resemble coffee grounds or black pepper. They may be found in areas where roaches are active, such as along baseboards, inside cabinets, or near food sources.
• Shed skins
  As they grow, roaches shed their exoskeletons. You might find these light-brown, shell-like skins near their hiding places or in areas where they travel.
• Egg casings (oothecae)
  Roaches leave behind small brown, capsule-shaped egg casings, each containing multiple eggs. These casings are often found in hidden corners or behind appliances.
• Unpleasant odors
  A large infestation of cockroaches produces a musty, oily smell. If you detect an odd odor you can't explain, it could signify a roach infestation.
• Damage to food packaging
  Cockroaches will chew through food packaging to get to the contents inside. Look for small holes or tears in boxes and bags, particularly in your pantry.

Where do cockroaches leave warning signs?

Cockroaches are creatures of habit. They prefer dark, damp environments where they won't be disturbed. To find their signs, it helps to know where to look. Some of the most common hiding spots are:

• Kitchens
  Roaches are often found in kitchens due to the abundance of food and moisture. Check under sinks, inside cabinets, and around appliances.
• Bathrooms
  Since they need moisture to survive, bathrooms are a favorite spot for cockroaches. Look behind the toilet, under the sink, and in the corners of the shower.
• Laundry rooms
  Any area with a water source is prime real estate for roaches. Inspect around washers, dryers, and utility sinks.
• Behind appliances
  Cockroaches tend to congregate behind large appliances, especially those that generate heat. Take a look behind your oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher for signs of activity.
• Wall voids and baseboards
  Roaches love to squeeze into cracks and crevices. Check along baseboards, around door frames, and behind furniture for droppings or shed skins.
• Crawl spaces
  Crawl spaces often have high humidity or leaks, which create the damp environment these vile pests love. They’re also dark, protected, and may offer easy access into the home.

Cockroaches in the Pee Dee & Grand Strand areas

Our South Carolina service area's three most common roach pests are German, American, and Oriental cockroaches.

• German roaches are the hardest to control because they have built immunity to many control products.
• American roaches are equally frustrating when conditions like moisture or humidity are present indoors.
• Oriental roaches are easier to control but much dirtier than the others. They're problematic because they require damp and unsanitary conditions for habitation and will go in and out of homes, tracking in germs.

If you have seen any of these pests in your home, contact Harris Pest Control for a free pest inspection. If you have not seen them, you can take a few steps to keep cockroaches out.

Simple cockroach prevention tips

• Cockroaches are motivated by stimuli. You can deter them if you remove what motivates them to enter your yard or get into your home. Here's how it works.
• They are drawn to damp habitats. Cleaning and repairing gutters and trimming plants can deter them.
• Roaches can smell decaying organic matter. Keeping trash receptacles covered and properly mixing compost will deter roaches.
• Cockroaches get into the humid and damp spaces underneath leaf litter and piles of branches. Store these things in containers rather than on the ground.
• Roaches slip into gaps between cardboard boxes. Store stacked cardboard in containers.
• These pests slip into homes through gaps. Seal gaps by using expanding foam or caulking material.
• Cockroaches prefer food-rich environments. Keep your home as clean as possible to deter them.

These steps counteract the natural behavior patterns that cockroaches follow. When cockroach control products are required, contact a licensed professional. A professional knows which products work and how to test the efficacy of treatments.

Professional cockroach control 

Do you have cockroaches? The Harris Pest Control service team offers effective home pest control services that exterminate cockroaches and prevent re-infestations. What’s more, our year-round plans protect against other house-infesting insects and rodents! Available in Florence, Myrtle Beach, and across the Pee Dee and Grand Strand areas, check out our plans and pricing below, or call us!