Nobody wants to search their home for cockroach poop, but this simple task can help you ward off infestation and disease. Find roach droppings and you'll find out where the roaches are congregating. You'll also learn where they’re getting their food and water, giving you the upper hand in the battle. Anywhere you find a large amount of cockroach droppings gives you a ‟ground zero” area from which to begin control methods.

How to identify cockroach poop

Cockroach droppings are easy to spot, making them one of the most common forms of cockroach evidence. Smaller cockroaches leave behind brown or black specs, which range in appearance from coarse coffee grains to finely ground black pepper. To differentiate cockroach poop from coffee grains or black pepper, look for uniformity, texture, and location. Cockroach droppings are usually more uniform, slightly shiny, or sticky and found in areas where cockroaches are present.

Larger cockroaches leave behind solid feces shaped like cylinders. Their droppings are also brown or black, depending on the species. The droppings from these larger cockroaches have ridges running the length of the feces from tip to tip. These ridges will help you differentiate roach droppings from mouse droppings, which do not have ridges. Mouse droppings are also slightly larger and often have short hairs in them.

cockroach-poop

Where you might find roach droppings

Cockroach poop can be found everywhere that cockroaches are found. If you’ve seen a cockroach scurry behind a picture on the wall or underneath the bed, you’ll likely find droppings there, too. Common places to find cockroach droppings include:

  • In the corners of rooms and all along the baseboards
  • On top of shelves, cabinets, doors, and other high objects providing hidden passage
  • Inside drawers, pantries, closets, cabinets, and other food storage areas
  • Children’s playpens, toy chests, and anything else that little sticky fingers may touch
  • Underneath and behind refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, and sinks
  • Any cracks or openings in the floors, walls, or structure in general
  • In storage areas, especially with organic storage materials, such as cardboard boxes and papers

How to help get rid of roach droppings

While cockroach droppings might seem insignificant, they pose a big threat. These droppings contain allergens that trigger asthma and allergies, harbor bacteria like salmonella, and attract more cockroaches. Don't ignore them – cleaning up cockroach poop is an essential part of getting rid of a roach infestation. Here's how to do it:

  1. Wear gloves and a mask: Before cleaning up cockroach droppings, wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from any potential allergens or diseases.
  2. Disinfect surfaces: After vacuuming, use a disinfectant spray or solution to clean the surfaces where droppings were found. This will help kill any remaining bacteria or viruses that may be present.
  3. Vacuum-up droppings: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to suck up any visible dry droppings. Make sure to vacuum all surfaces where dried droppings are present, including floors, walls, and furniture.
  4. Seal up cracks and crevices: To prevent cockroaches from returning, it's essential to seal up any cracks or crevices where they may be entering your home. Use caulk or foam insulation to seal gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and other openings.
  5. Keep your home clean: Cockroaches are attracted to food and water sources, so it's important to keep your home as clean as possible. Clean up any spills or crumbs immediately, and store food in airtight containers.
  6. Hire a professional: For a severe infestation, or if you can't stomach the DIY approach, contact a pest control company like Terminix! Our cockroach control experts have the knowledge and tools to help remove cockroaches in your home.

Need help with cockroaches? Get started with roach control from Terminix.