Warning Signs Of A Possible Cockroach Infestation
In addition to being unsightly pests, cockroaches can also be a health hazard. When an infestation occurs, the presence of cockroaches in large numbers increases the dangers presented by these insects.
Health risks of cockroaches
Because they are drawn to human food, cockroaches are a cause of food contamination. Cockroaches both defecate and regurgitate on the food that they eat. While this is disgusting on its own, it also spreads bacteria and parasites that may be living inside of them.
How do you know if you have a cockroach infestation? Look for the following warning signs:
Cockroach feces
Feces can take on one of two forms depending on what cockroaches are eating. Solid feces look like small, black droppings while liquid feces look more like black streaks. You’ll see them on floors, worktops, baseboards, and other surfaces.
An odd & offensive odor
Cockroaches gathering in large numbers produce an odd and offensive odor that is easily recognized by pest control professionals. If you see what appears to be cockroach feces accompanied by a smell you don’t recognize, there’s a good chance you’re looking at an infestation.
Shed skins
Cockroaches shed their skins numerous times between the nymph stage and adulthood. A shed skin looks a lot like a live cockroach but without a head and legs. You’ll know one when you see one.
What you should do
If you suspect you might have a cockroach infestation in your home, we recommend several things. First, use a flashlight to thoroughly search areas where cockroaches might be hiding. Look under the fridge, behind the stove, and in kitchen cabinets. Check the bathrooms as well. Even though kitchens are where cockroaches most often congregate (that’s where they find food) they are also known to like the dark, moist areas of bathrooms.
Next, do a few night inspections. Wearing shoes to protect your feet, visit the kitchen without turning the lights on. If there are cockroaches present, you should see them scurrying around when you enter the room.
Finally, call a pest control expert, who will have the tools, skills, and experience to eradicate these unpleasant pests from your home. If you believe you might have an infestation, please don’t wait to call. Cockroaches reproduce rapidly and do not need much time to become a big problem.
We can help
No matter how intimidating or pervasive your pest problem, you can trust that Amco Ranger knows exactly how to handle it and make sure it doesn’t happen again. Give us a call today if you need help getting rid of pests in your home in Cottleville, St. Peters, O’Fallon, St. Charles, St. Louis and surrounding communities.
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