When to Call a Cockroach Exterminator

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Cockroaches are one of the most common and horrifying things for a property owner to find. Notoriously difficult to remove completely with DIY treatments, cockroaches breed quickly and spread disease. Visible cockroaches in businesses are almost automatic reputation-killers, sending your clients running! If you have a cockroach infestation in your business or home, what can be done about it? Do you need professional help with cockroaches?

What are the Signs of Cockroach Infestation?

Recognizing the signs of a cockroach infestation is the first step to solving the problem. If you notice any of the following indicators, it might be time to contact our professional cockroach pest control service for help.

Smell

A distinct, musty smell is one of the first and most noticeable signs of a cockroach infestation. Cockroaches emit a pungent, oily odor that can permeate the air in infested areas. The smell becomes more potent as the infestation grows, making it difficult to ignore. If your kitchen or bathroom starts to develop a strange, musty odor, it could be a sign that cockroaches are hiding nearby.

Cockroach Droppings

Cockroach droppings are another clear indication of an infestation. These droppings can resemble coffee grounds or tiny black pepper specks and are typically found in areas where cockroaches are most active. If you start noticing these tiny, dark droppings in corners, under appliances, or inside cabinets, it’s a sign that roaches are present and actively breeding in your home.

Smear Marks

In areas where water is present, such as kitchens and bathrooms, cockroaches may leave behind smear marks. The oily residue from their bodies causes these marks as they move across surfaces. You’ll often find these smears on walls, countertops, or around the baseboards where cockroaches travel. Smear marks can be a telltale sign of a cockroach problem that needs immediate attention.

Shredded Skins

As cockroaches grow, they shed their exoskeletons. Finding shredded skins around your home, especially in hidden or dark areas like behind appliances or inside cupboards, indicates that cockroaches are maturing and multiplying. These exoskeletons indicate the infestation is active and possibly widespread.

Egg Cases

Cockroaches reproduce rapidly, and one of the most concerning signs of an infestation is the presence of egg cases. These are small, brown, oval-shaped capsules that cockroaches deposit in secluded spots. Each egg case can contain dozens of roach eggs, which hatch into new roaches. Discovering these cases in your home indicates that you must take immediate action, as it indicates ongoing breeding and an expanding infestation.

Where to Check for Roach Infestation?

Knowing where to look for cockroaches can help you determine the extent of the infestation and guide your decision on whether to call a cockroach exterminator. It’s essential to start treatment for cockroaches as soon as you see them. They only need a few weeks to become a whole swarm, and they become more and more difficult to eradicate with each passing day. Cockroaches will consume anything organic, taking advantage of every nook and cranny in your building. Cockroaches are nocturnal and prefer dark, moist environments. Here are the key places to inspect:

Behind Refrigerator

Cockroaches love warm, moist environments, making the area behind your refrigerator a perfect hiding spot. The warmth from the motor and the proximity to food and water sources provide an ideal habitat for roaches to thrive. Regularly check behind your refrigerator for droppings, smear marks, or live roaches.

Under Sinks

The space under sinks is another common area where cockroaches like to hide. The darkness, moisture, and easy access to food crumbs and spills create an inviting environment for these pests. Be sure to inspect the cabinet under your kitchen and bathroom sinks for any signs of cockroaches, such as droppings, eggs, or musty smells.

Narrow Cracks & Crevices

Cockroaches are experts at squeezing into narrow cracks and crevices. These tight spaces protect from predators and are usually close to food and water sources. Check along baseboards, around door frames, and any small gaps in your walls or floors for signs of a cockroach infestation. Caulking these crevices can help prevent roaches from entering your home.

Cabinets & Drawers

Your kitchen cabinets and drawers are prime targets for cockroach infestations. These areas offer easy access to food crumbs and are often dark and secluded, making them perfect hiding spots. Regularly clean out your cabinets and drawers, and inspect them for droppings, shredded skins, or egg cases that may indicate the presence of cockroaches.

DIY Cockroach Treatments

DIY treatments for cockroaches are a gamble, but there are a few steps you can take to try to limit the cockroach population. Your first step should be to eliminate anything that’s attracting them in the first place.

• Eliminate dark and undisturbed areas, either by lighting them or sweeping daily.
• Eliminate any areas with heavy moisture, including leaky pipes or standing water.
• Remove food sources. They will eat any organic material they can find, including cardboard, soap, fat, grease, crumbs, and garbage. If you remove their food, this should greatly reduce their population.
• Consider your options for treating cockroaches. While traps can work for smaller populations, over-the-counter sprays aren’t generally recommended, as they typically just shift the roaches from one area of a building to another.

After taking these initial steps, you may have been able to lower their population. In order to get rid of them completely, you will need to call a professional. Cockroaches are some of the hardiest insects on earth, and they have been able to survive nuclear testing sites. Even roach motels aren’t enough to completely eradicate all of the cockroaches in your building.

Cockroach Prevention Tips

Preventing a cockroach infestation is much easier than dealing with one. Taking proactive steps can reduce the chances of these pests invading your home. Here are some effective cockroach prevention tips:

Cleanliness

Maintaining cleanliness is one of the most effective ways to prevent cockroaches. These pests are attracted to food crumbs, spills, and garbage. Regularly clean your kitchen, including countertops, floors, and under appliances. Dispose of trash promptly and keep your home free of food debris. Removing their food sources makes your home less appealing to roaches.

Food Storage

Proper food storage is crucial in keeping cockroaches at bay. Store food in airtight containers, and avoid leaving food out overnight. This includes pet food, which can also attract roaches. Make it a habit to immediately clean up any food spills and store perishable items in the refrigerator. By securing your food, you reduce the chances of attracting cockroaches.

Sealing

Cockroaches can enter your home through the smallest openings. Inspect your home for cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and plumbing. Use caulk to seal these entry points and prevent roaches from getting inside. Pay special attention to areas where pipes or air vents lead into your home, as these are common entryways for pests.

Repellents

Natural repellents can be an additional layer of defense against cockroaches. Essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus are known to repel roaches. You can use these oils in a diffuser or create a spray to apply in areas where cockroaches are likely to enter or hide. While repellents won’t solve an existing infestation, they can help prevent one from starting.

Contact Us Today to Schedule a Comprehensive Cockroach Pest Control Consultation

A professional roach exterminator will know exactly where to look and what to do in the case of a cockroach infestation. After inspection, an expert in cockroach control will then treat and advise on the appropriate remedies to employ to get rid of cockroaches completely.

Active Pest Control has eliminated pest populations in every kind of building, from small businesses to large corporate office buildings. We use Integrated Pest Management to get rid of cockroaches in the most effective way possible. If you’re struggling with cockroaches, don’t do it alone—call Active Pest Control today!

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