How Can You Tell If You Have Cockroaches?

Cockroaches are unwelcome houseguests that most, if not all, of us would rather avoid! Whether you live in Phoenix, Tucson, or elsewhere in Southern Arizona, these vile pests can find their way into your home and become a real nuisance. So, how can you tell if your home has cockroaches? In today’s blog post, we’ll identify common signs of cockroach activity and explain what you can do to tackle a potential infestation.

Let’s identify the three most common roaches in Arizona first

Understanding the types of cockroaches that may invade your kitchen, bathrooms, and other spaces can help you better address an infestation. Here are the three most common roaches homeowners encounter in Phoenix, Tucson, and Southern Arizona:

American Cockroaches
Often referred to as "palmetto bugs," American cockroaches are the largest house-infesting roaches in our region and throughout the U.S. They grow up to 2-inches long and have a reddish-brown color with a yellowish border around the back of their heads.

German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are one of the most common roaches in homes. They are smaller than American roaches, measuring about 1.5 inches in length, and have a light brown color with two distinct dark stripes running down their backs.

Oriental Cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches, also called “water bugs” or “black cockroaches,” are known for their shiny dark brown to black color and relatively large size, about 1 to 1.5 inches long.

Signs you might have a cockroach problem

Unfortunately, cockroaches are notorious for their ability to hide and go unnoticed in homes and other structures. However, there are a few telltale signs that you might have an infestation:

• Cockroach droppings
  Cockroach droppings are a clear indicator of their presence. They look like coffee grounds or black pepper and are often found where roaches are active, such as behind appliances, cabinets, or along baseboards.
• Egg cases
  Female cockroaches produce egg cases, also called oothecae, that hold multiple eggs. These cases are usually brown and cylindrical and can be found in hidden areas like behind furniture or under appliances.
• Bug sightings
  If you see cockroaches scurrying across your floors, especially at night, it’s usually a sign that you have an established, maybe even significant infestation. Spotting a cockroach or many cockroaches during the day typically means a severe problem, as these insects are nocturnal creatures.
• Baby cockroaches
  Spotting baby roaches or nymphs is a sign that the infestation is ongoing and that the adults are reproducing.  
• Shed skins
  As cockroaches grow, they shed their exoskeletons, leaving behind translucent skin.
• Musty odor
  A strong, musty smell in your home can signify a large cockroach infestation. This odor comes from the roaches' pheromones and can be more noticeable in confined or dark spaces.
• Damage
  Cockroaches are scavengers that chew through packaging, including plastic, paper, and cardboard. They also damage books and other documents by chewing on the pages or tearing them. These nasty pests also chew on leather and fabrics and leave their excrement behind, which can cause staining.

How cockroaches affect health

Cockroaches can impact your health by carrying and spreading bacteria, allergens, and pathogens. Salmonella and E.coli, caused by the contamination of food and surfaces, are examples of health risks posed by roaches.

Roach droppings and body parts can also trigger or exacerbate asthma and allergies.

How to keep cockroaches out of your home

•  Clean thoroughly
  Cockroaches are attracted to food and moisture. Clean your kitchen and other areas thoroughly, removing crumbs, spills, and other food residue. Also, regularly take out the trash and keep food in sealed containers. Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink for any length of time, especially not overnight. Disinfect counters and other areas where food is prepped or served often.
• Seal entry points
  Cockroaches enter homes and other buildings through small cracks and crevices. Seal all potential entry points around pipes, utilities, windows, and doors to prevent them from getting inside. Keep in mind any crack, gap, or opening on the exterior of your home could be an access point for roaches and other pests; they’ll need to be addressed.
• Fix moisture problems
  Although roaches can survive without food for up to three months, they can only last a month without water. That’s why it’s important to eliminate moisture sources in and around your home. Address rooms with high humidity levels, repair leaky pipes and fix other plumbing issues.
• Declutter
  These insects like dark, cluttered areas where they can stay out of sight and safely reproduce. Decluttering the garage, closets, and other storage areas can significantly discourage cockroach activity by removing their hiding spots.

What to do if cockroaches have already infested your home

Taking proactive measures to prevent cockroach infestations is crucial, but sometimes it’s too late. If you’ve found roaches or signs of cockroach activity in your home, contact Northwest Exterminating for home pest control!

Our locally operated pest control company offers effective pest control plans designed to exterminate roaches and other pests already infesting and prevent future infestations. Our experienced pest control specialists use the latest techniques and products to keep bugs out and protect your family. Don’t wait for a small problem to become a big one—contact us today to learn more about our pest control solutions!