Roaches. Carriers of filth and grime with a reputation of being able to withstand even the most devastating of nuclear disasters. If you think you may have a roach problem, then you have probably seen one or more roaches in your home, possibly in the kitchen or bathroom. Even if you have a home that you believe to be free of cracks and entry points, roaches are masters at sneaking in to find the food and water resources they need. Let’s take a look at the signs that roaches might be in your home, and then investigate how they might be getting in.
Signs to Look For in Spotting Roach Infestations
Seeing a Roach
One of the most common and obvious signs of a roach infestation is the physical presence of a roach. As nocturnal pests, they are likely to be found in the evening and at night. They love the dark so if you enter a dark room where roaches are present and turn on the light, the bugs will scatter about. And if you see roaches during the day? Your problem is likely very severe as they only come out in the daylight if they are desperate. Of course, the presence of dead roach carcasses is another sign that you have an infestation.
Read More: Understanding and Controlling Cockroaches
Finding Roach Egg Casings
Roaches breed like crazy, and their ability to survive depends on their rapid reproduction. Roaches produce long, brown egg casings (Oothecae) that house many eggs together. Once the eggs are hatched, the casing is left behind and you may find it as evidence that you need to get advice on roach removal.
Roach Feces
Because they eat almost anything, they leave a significant number of droppings as well. The appearance of roach fecal matter may be different depending on the type of roach, from small oval pellets to brown stains, to the tiniest flecks of pepper. Look for feces in places where roaches might want to hide near food or water sources, such as cabinets, pantries, sinks, and appliances.
Roach Odor
Although not likely noticeable at first, the longer an infestation goes on the more likely the roaches are of putting out an odor. Some people describe the smell as “oily”, with the ability to linger in the air and even change the taste of your food.
Entry Points for Roaches
How in the world to roaches get into your house? Small cracks and crevices act as personal invitations for roaches to squeeze through—often with their family and friends. If you see roaches congregating together in an area, it is likely that their entry point is nearby.
Also, when searching for places where roaches might enter your home, look for spaces between the meeting point of the floor and the wall. Search for cracks in concrete that might not seem obvious but could be just large enough for a thin cockroach. And, as roaches like their privacy, look in hidden locations such as cabinets, behind doors, or even in kitchen appliances. In the bathroom, take a look around the base of the toilet or the sealant along the bathtub.
After you have discovered potential entry points, a caulk gun will likely be your best friend for getting rid of roach entry points. Sealing cracks and crevices is critical to cutting off their ability to come into your home. In addition, cutting off the food and water supply is vital for cockroach control so make sure that your home is kept clean, free of food debris, and without water leaks.
Ultimately, a severe cockroach infestation may require the expertise of a professional roach extermination team. Cypress Creek Pest Control offers a variety of services, including the Healthy House Program, to help with cockroach removal as well as prevention for the future. Say Goodbye to Roaches!
