How to Spot a Cockroach Infestation

Think you might have a cockroach problem in your home? A national survey conducted by HomeTeam Pest Defense found that 40% of homeowners have experienced a problem with cockroaches. Cockroaches also rank among the top five pests that homeowners are concerned about.

Cockroaches are nocturnal insects that prefer to crawl around dark nooks and crannies. If you see one scamper across your kitchen floor during daylight hours, you may have an infestation. While cockroaches are year-round pests, you are more likely to see an influx in activity when weather changes occur.

Warmer temperatures and humid climates are the ideal living conditions for cockroaches. The most widespread types in the U.S. are the American and German cockroaches. The American cockroach is brown to reddish brown with a maximum size of 2.1 inches, while the German cockroach is pale brown and about ½ inch in size. Both can be found feasting on improperly bagged household trash and discarded food scraps. The best places to spot signs of an infestation are:

• Behind kitchen appliances such as refrigerators, sinks and stoves
• Under mats, rugs and floor drains
• In cupboards and drawers
• Within walls and behind wallpaper

Summer offers an ideal climate for cockroaches, so it is likely that you will encounter these pests at some point over the next couple of months. You can lessen the chance of an infestation in your home by following these guidelines to eliminate their preferred environments:

1. Avoid leaving out dinner scraps and unwashed dishes. Keep leftover food stored in tight, covered containers whether they are on the counter or in your refrigerator.
2. Wipe down all kitchen surfaces. Any sticky or sugary residue remaining on your counter, stove or floor after cooking is an invitation for cockroaches to snack.
3. Fix leaky water sources. Keep moisture at a minimum by promptly repairing leaking pipes or faucets.
4. Pick up after yourself. Make sure all of your trash makes it into the garbage bag and is securely covered to eliminate food sources.

If you see cockroaches out during the daytime, there are probably more hiding in your home. If you are worried you might have a cockroach infestation, HomeTeam would be happy to perform a thorough inspection of your home and perimeter to identify potential entry points and harborage areas.