≡ Menu

5 Telltale Signs You Have a Cockroach Infestation in Your Home

One of the oldest insects still alive today, cockroaches lived more than 150 million years before the dinosaurs. 

Although they are interesting from a scientific perspective, they are only fascinating at a distance. Nobody wants to observe these bugs in their homes, under any circumstance.

Cockroaches provoke a primal instinct of fear and disgust in most people. Perhaps it’s their freaky bodies and fast-moving legs. It could also be due to the fact that cockroach infestations bring mold, bacteria, and viruses into your home.

Keep reading to find out 5 telltale signs that you have a roach problem in your home so that you can take action immediately to eradicate these prehistoric creatures. 

1. Seeing a Few Roaches

It’s common to think that only seeing a few roaches means that you don’t have a serious problem.

This simply isn’t true. Cockroaches are nocturnal insects that only appear during the day if their resources are scarce.

So, seeing a few roaches during the day (or over the course of a few days) can indicate that you have much more hiding in your home that are finding plenty of food during the night. This is true whether they’re dead or alive. 

2. Spotting Droppings

All living beings have waste byproducts from eating. Roaches are no different. 

A disgustingly impressive fact about these insects is that they will eat just about anything. Their adaptability in this department is why they are so prevalent and can invade your home — even if it’s relatively clean.

If roaches are around, you should be able to spot or find their droppings. Their feces looks different depending on the species but you can expect dark, small droppings ranging from the size of a pinhead to substantially sized pellets. 

3. If You Find Eggs, There is a Roach Problem

Known as oothecae, cockroaches lay egg cases that will hatch and become anywhere between 16 to 50 baby roaches

If you see one of these dark, bean-like oothecae, you either have an infestation or you’re about to.

Roaches can reproduce prolifically, so if you spot them, their droppings, or their babies, call a professional immediately. Don’t try to do it yourself — this post explains why that’s a bad idea. 

4. A Musty Smell

Like many other living beings, cockroaches use scents to communicate with one another. The result is musty, “oil-like” smells in your home.

As the infestation worsens, these smells will become more potent. This is because the smells also linger on the dead bodies of roaches long after they die. 

Additionally, the roach feces can emanate smells, including that of mold accumulating.

5. Finding the “Nest”

The word “nest” in the realm of cockroaches is misleading. They don’t build classic nests, but rather they congregate together in a “nest”.

Nests are where roaches reproduce, hang out, and die. So, if you find a nest of many cockroaches that includes eggs, feces, and dead roaches, you definitely have a serious infestation. 

Look for the nest in dark, wet areas of your home such as behind kitchen appliances, attics, and basements. 

Take Action Against All Roach Problems

If you find any of these 5 telltale signs of a roach problem, seek professional help immediately. This includes if you see a roach or two during the daytime or start noticing a subtle, oily smell. 

Infestations can happen quickly, so act with urgency to keep your home safe and roach-free. 

Keep reading our blog for more home tips and tricks.