How to Know Cockroaches Have Taken Up Residence in Your Meridian House
Cockroaches are filthy pests that can cause serious health issues when left not eliminated. As a homeowner, it is important to recognize a roach infestation in its early stages for easier control and elimination. However, detecting an infestation can be challenging. Roaches are resilient creepy crawlies that can reproduce quickly and pose a threat even to your property. To identify signs of a roach issue and address the problem, seek help from Pestcom Pest Management.
What to Know About Cockroaches
There are thousands of cockroach species worldwide, but German, American, and Brown-Branded cockroaches are quite common in Meridian, Idaho. German roaches are dark, brownish-red and have wings that fold over their back. They hate cold weather, so they tend to move indoors in winter.
Brown-branded roaches look like German cockroaches; however, they are slightly darker with light brown bands across the abdomen and wings. Meanwhile, American roaches can grow up to at least an inch. While these roaches do not fly, they scurry quickly once threatened. They prefer to be in warm and moist areas, which makes them visible in the bathroom and near water heaters.
How Roaches Enter Your House
Roaches invade your home to find food, water, and shelter. These pests can easily squeeze their body through tiny crevices and cracks in your house. Also, they enter through openings if dumpsters or garbage cans are situated near access points and windows. They even hitch rides in boxes and products you bring into your house from outside. If a female roach gets into your home, she can lay up to fifty eggs at a time. These eggs will hatch in over one month. That is why you should reach out to a pest control company when you spot one roach since these pests can quickly infest your property.
Signs of Roach Infestation
When inside your house, roaches will usually leave behind the following signs of their presence:
- Cockroaches eat anything and leave behind fecal droppings that look like coffee grounds or pepper. These droppings can be found near kitchen cabinets, in dark corners, and behind appliances. Inspect such areas regularly for signs of roach droppings so you can take steps right away to address the problem.
- Smear marks. Roaches also leave behind streaks. Usually, you can find such dark markings on walls and in areas where roaches are most active.
- Unpleasant odor. Roaches emit a musty odor that you can notice when their population grows. If you notice a pungent smell in your house, particularly in food preparation and storage areas, this could mean you have a roach issue to deal with. Keep an eye on the kitchen, bathroom, and pantry because roaches tend to thrive in these places.
- Shed exoskeleton. When a roach population increases, they shed exoskeletons many times. These exoskeletons can be found in their hiding spots or in areas where they travel frequently. These translucent, shell-like structures can be found near cracks, dark corners, or crevices. Their presence signifies an active roach population in your house.
- Egg casings. Roaches reproduce quickly and their egg casings indicate an infestation. You can usually find these casings in hidden areas like behind furniture, in electrical outlets, or in wall voids. If you spot egg casings, act right away to prevent the infestation from getting worse.
- Nocturnal activity. Roaches are mainly active at night. If you spot them scurrying away whenever you turn the lights on or open your cupboard, this means you have an infestation. Inspect your home thoroughly during the early morning hours or the late evening to spot such invasive pests.
- Property damage. Roaches may chew through food packaging and can even damage materials like leather.