Cockroaches are pests homeowners do not want to come face to face with. Knowing how to identify signs of cockroach infestation can help treat them and prevent future infestation. Keeping roaches out of your home or business is important to avoid transmission of bacteria. Cockroaches can also be an allergen source for some people.
What is a Cockroach?
There are a few different types of cockroaches that you might find crawling around your home. Generally, you can identify cockroaches by their body shape, color, and legs. Most cockroaches have a flat, oval-shaped body that is light to dark brown. These insects have 6 legs that allow them to move around quickly. Types of cockroaches include:
- German Cockroach
- Brown-banded Cockroach
- American Cockroach
- Oriental Cockroach
1. Droppings
One of the first signs of a cockroach infestation is discovering droppings in your home. Although the size of the droppings may vary, you can find these in corners of your home, on shelves, cabinets, closets, and drawers.
2. Foul Odors
Another indication that there may be a cockroach infestation is foul odor. The longer an area is infested, the more pungent the odor will become. This odorous smell can be associated with two different scenarios. The first scenario is an active cockroach infestation, and the second is the decomposition of cockroaches.
3. Shedded Skin or Egg Casings
Like other insects, cockroaches have the ability to shed their skin when they outgrow their exoskeleton. Spotting this shedded skin lying around is an indication of cockroach infestation. Another piece of evidence that these cockroaches leave behind is their egg casings. These small, light brown cases can hold up to 50 eggs, so it is very important to destroy the eggs and call for help if you spot an egg case left by a cockroach.
Life Cycle of Cockroaches
A cockroach has three stages of life: egg, nymph, and adult. Adults can hatch anywhere from 16-50 eggs. The eggs hatch into young cockroaches called nymphs. Identifying cockroach infestation early on is essential as these insects are fast reproducing.
Treat Cockroach Infestation with Las Vegas Pest Control
Cockroaches are mainly attracted to dirt and food crumbs, but they can also enter your home through drains and sewer pipes. One of the most effective ways to prevent cockroaches is to regularly clean your home including vacuuming and ensuring your trash is sealed and stowed away.
While there are ways to prevent cockroach infestation, they require professional pest control treatment. Las Vegas Pest Control provides sustainable pest control solutions to quickly identify and treat pest infestations and prevent future cockroach infestations in Las Vegas. Contact our team today for a free estimate!