How To Identify A Cockroach Infestation

Do you know what cockroaches look like? There are actually a few different types of cockroaches that we deal with in MD and although they look similar to each other, you may not be aware that the bugs you’re seeing within your home or business are cockroaches. If you have suspected a cockroach infestation in your home, here are some helpful tips to help you identify a roach infestation on your own.

The cockroaches you may find in your home include the American cockroach, the German cockroach and the Oriental cockroach. The American cockroach is between 1 and 1 ½ inches long, reddish brown and they prefer warm and moist areas. The German cockroach is between ¼ and 5/8 of an inch long and they are light brown/tan in color. They like moist areas and can be identified by the dark lengthwise stripes across their heads. The Oriental cockroach is a dark/oily black and approx 1 inch long; they prefer dark and moist areas.

• Cockroaches are typically nocturnal pests, but if you notice one of them during the daytime hours, you may have an infestation lurking.

• You may notice cockroach feces around your home if an infestation is present. Cockroach feces from the smaller species (like the German cockroach) look black and resemble coffee grounds or ground pepper. Larger cockroaches (like the American or Oriental cockroach) leave black or brown droppings that are cylindrical; these droppings have ridges down the sides of them. If you have noticed a significant amount of feces around your home, you may be dealing with a significant infestation.

• Some species of cockroaches emit unpleasant odors. You may notice a strong oily or musty odor in especially large infestations.

• Dead cockroach bodies or cockroach ‘debris’ along with oval-shaped egg cases may also be present in large infestations.

If you have recognized any of these signs, you probably have a cockroach infestation and are in need of cockroach control services. Thankfully, our professionals at American Pest have more than 85 years of experience handling common household bugs including cockroaches and we can help you too! We can help identify the infestation as well as possible conditions that may be attracting these pests. By removing the environments that may be keeping cockroaches thriving and through cockroach control treatments, roaches will be a thing of the past.

For more information on our home pest control services for cockroaches and other household bugs, contact American Pest today! Proving pest control in Maryland, Northern Virginia and DC pest control.