Cockroaches are most commonly found in areas where there is a food source, such as kitchens and pantries, but they can also be found in other areas of the home, such as bathrooms, basements, and attics. They are also commonly found in commercial buildings, such as restaurants, supermarkets, and hospitals. Cockroaches are considered pests for several reasons:
- They can trigger allergies and asthma in some people, especially children.
- They can cause damage to buildings and furniture by eating glue and paper products.
- They can contaminate food and surfaces with their droppings, saliva, and body parts.
- They can produce a strong, musty odor that is often unpleasant.
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
It’s important to note that cockroaches are most active at night, so it’s more likely to see the following signs than the pests themselves.
- Fecal smears, which are dark, irregularly shaped stains caused by cockroach droppings.
- A musty or oily odor, which can be caused by the cockroaches’ pheromones.
- Cockroach droppings, which can appear as small, dark, pepper-like pellets.
- Shed cockroach exoskeletons, which can indicate that the cockroaches are growing.
- Damage to food packaging or other materials, as cockroaches will often chew through paper and cardboard.
- Egg cases, which are small, dark, and about the size of a grain of rice.
- Live cockroaches, which can indicate a large infestation especially if seen during the day.
Cockroaches can be difficult to control because they reproduce quickly. They are able to survive in harsh conditions, hide in small crevices, and become resistant to some pesticides. Therefore, it’s important to take preventative measures to keep cockroaches out of the home. Consider keeping food in sealed containers, cleaning up food spills and crumbs promptly, and fixing leaks and other moisture issues.
Schwartz Exterminating Can Help Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Property
At Schwartz Exterminating, our experienced pest control team can conduct thorough inspections of our customers’ properties and identify potential entry points and areas where pests are active. From baits and traps to pesticides and other humane control methods, our pest control company can deal with any infestations and help you maintain a pest-free environment.