Detecting a Cockroach Infestation
There is not one of us out there who would not rather ignore the signs of a cockroach infestation and just pretend it isn’t happening, but we all know that only leads to one thing: more cockroaches. If you even suspect a cockroach infestation, you will absolutely want to look further into the matter to determine if one really does exist. Knowing the signs of cockroach infestation is the first step.
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
One of the more obvious signs of an infestation is actually seeing a cockroach. And like so many pests, if you see one you can count on there being more. In fact, usually if you see a cockroach out in the light or daytime, your infestation is pretty severe.
Cockroaches are nocturnal pests that like the dark and prefer feeding in the dark at night. If they are around in the daytime or in the light, it is normally because there are many and a great amount of competition for food.
Most of the time when you have cockroaches (unless the cockroach infestation is heavy) you will not even see one. And of course, cockroaches are easiest to control before they become numerous, so catching them early and taking steps for getting rid of cockroaches is always best. But to do that you will need to become familiar with the signs less obvious than flat-out sighting.
Here are some signs of cockroaches to keep an eye out for:
Signs of droppings. Droppings from larger cockroaches are small, dark, and cylindrical. Smaller and young cockroaches leave behind small, dark pieces that look like coffee grounds or ground pepper. To limit cockroach food you will certainly want to clean all counters and surfaces after food preparation anyway, and certainly each evening, so if you know you left a clean counter and find similar cockroach sign, start looking for other evidence and treating the problem.
Dead bodies and shell casings. While you may have a tough time finding live specimens, signs of hatching and death are easier to spot. If you find dead bodies or small oval-shaped, dried, shell casings in places like behind furniture, in bookcases, in dark drawers and spaces, or under appliances, you probably have cockroaches. Do note, though, that roaches will eat other dead roaches so it is possible you will not see the bodies.
A telltale smell. Lower cockroach infestations may or may not emit a noticeable smell, but moderate and heavy infestations often will. If you detect an oily odor or a new strong musty odor suspects cockroaches as the culprit.
Seeing believes. As mentioned seeing cockroaches by chance is difficult, but if you know where to look you can often catch enough to confirm your suspicions by sight. Cockroaches like warm, dark, moist places and often hide in or around appliance motors or under refrigerators or stove tops. Quickly open up or move appliances and flash a light (be quick as they will scatter) but you may just find the confirmation.
If you suspect cockroaches hire Pest Control Sydney professionals or use (or make homemade) sticky traps and place them in the areas where cockroaches are suspected. Choose a few locations throughout the home and know that if you catch any at all, you need to take steps to get rid of cockroaches.
Continue to: - How to Stop Cockroach Infestation?