Cockroach

Signs You Have a Cockroach Infestation

Cockroaches can be unhygienic and unpleasant and it’s important to be able to recognise if you have a cockroach infestation in your home. The key sign of having an infestation is seeing an insect in the home. This is important because cockroaches are nocturnal and mainly active at night, so if you see one during the day, the infestation is likely to be quite advanced.

Cockroaches are very distinctive-looking compared to other insects. Their bodies are about 2 inches long and quite flat. They are light brown or black. Cockroaches have six legs and antennae. If you have a cockroach problem, you’re also likely to see skin castings which have been shed. These are the eggs from which new cockroaches have recently hatched. They are usually small, brown and oval-shaped.

If you have cockroaches, you may also see cockroach faeces and regurgitated food. The faeces are black pellets which look similar to black pepper. You may also see smear marks which cockroaches leave instead of faeces if they have had access to water.

An unpleasant smell is also characteristic of an infestation of cockroaches, especially if the infestation is quite advanced. The smell is musty and will be strongest closest to the main source of the cockroaches.

Cockroaches eat most things and may attack and damage foodstuffs in your home. They will usually be found in the kitchen. Usually you’ll spot them when you turn the light on in the kitchen. Because of their omnivorous ways, its important to keep all foodstuffs in the kitchen sealed to discourage cockroaches. You should also clear up spillages and waste quickly.

Make sure that you seal potential entry points in your home to prevent these insects from getting in. Pay attention to gaps under doors and near pipes. Make sure you take rubbish out every evening and prevent clutter from building up in your home.