Cockroach Signs in the House

Updated: June 29, 2023

Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests in the world. While most are perfectly normal outside, a few can find their way inside and become a pest. Knowing how to spot the undeniable signs of cockroaches can help protect your home and family from disease and infestation. Here are the top four signs of a cockroach infestation: 

Physically seeing a cockroach

Cockroach droppings

Finding roach egg cases

Smelling cockroaches

Physically Seeing a Roach

The faster your local Terminix technician can get inside, identify the type of cockroach, and begin attacking the problem, the faster you can regain control over your own home and well-being. 

 

What to do if you see a cockroach? 

No one wants to see a cockroach in their home, and if you spot one, you may wonder, “does one cockroach mean more?” When it comes to roaches, there's usually more than what's visible hiding in your home. If you spot one of these pesky insects, it’s best to call your local Terminix technician right away to get rid of the cockroaches. There are, however, some steps you can take to prevent a cockroach infestation.

Taking away access to food and water sources in and around your home can make it less attractive to cockroaches. These pests are drawn to moisture, so eliminating leaky faucets and standing water help keep them away. Cockroaches can also be found in compost, woodpiles, and trash bins. It’s important to monitor these areas of your home, eliminate any cockroaches that may appear, and contact us for cockroach control. 

What are signs of a Cockroach Infestation?

Below are four of the most common signs of a cockroach infestation:

1. The most obvious sign you have a cockroach problem is actually seeing one. Since they are nocturnal insects, the best time to spot roaches is during the night. You’ll typically see them scatter after you enter a room and turn on a light. Of course, you may also find dead cockroaches in areas where they hide, since the infestation is just part of their natural life and death cycle. Dead roaches are not a sure sign the infestation is over, but more likely that it is ongoing. 

2. Spotting cockroach droppings can also point to an ongoing infestation. Depending on what type of cockroach you are dealing with (e.g., German cockroach, brown-banded cockroach, etc.), the appearance of roach feces can resemble anything from tiny specks of pepper to brown stains or coffee grounds and oval pellets.

3. One of the biggest reasons roach infestations continue to grow is because they are aggressive breeders, which leads to another sign of a cockroach infestation: cockroach egg cases. Roaches don’t lay singular eggs – they produce ootheca. Ootheca are oblong, brown casings that house many eggs. You may find these casing around your home, signaling that an infestation is still ongoing. 

4. Finally, cockroaches produce a pungent, musty odor that gets worse as time goes on. This smell can come from large numbers of roaches, but just one German cockroach can produce this smell on its own. If you experience any of these signs in your home, contact your local Terminix office for help. 

 

When should I be worried about a roach infestation? 

Cockroaches can quickly become a major problem. That’s why it's best to call Terminix at the first sign of them. These insects tend to inhabit some unsanitary areas and are known to carry organisms on their body that cause diseases such as Cholera, Gastroenteritis, and Leprosy. They also produce allergens that can easily trigger asthma, allergies, and skin rashes in sensitive individuals. Their habits and small size make it hard to detect just how many are in your home. Cockroaches can squeeze into hidden spaces and are most active at night. Going undetected for a long period of time gives them the opportunity to multiply. The longer you wait to treat an infestation, the worse it may get.