When it comes to pests and the potential damage they can cause to your home, roaches are among the worst. And when it comes to detecting the warning signs of a roach infestation, time is of the essence to prevent large-scale damage and repairs.
That’s why it’s important to know what to look for and what to do if you suspect roaches have made their way into your home. Here, we’ll cover the warning signs of roaches, how to prevent them from appearing, and the danger they can cause.
What are Roaches?
Roaches are small, dark-colored insects, usually measuring about 1-2 inches in length. Roaches have flat bodies, long antennae, and six spiny legs. There are over 4,500 known species of roaches and approximately 55 of which can be found in living spaces.
The most common species of roaches found in homes are German and American Roaches as well as Oriental Roaches. German Roaches are typically the smallest and lightest in color, while American Roaches are larger, and Oriental Roaches are the darkest and slowest of the three types.
Warning Signs of Roaches
When a roach makes its way into your home, there are several warning signs that the infestation is growing and you need to take action.
• Droppings: Clear signs of roaches can be found in the form of their small, dark droppings. These droppings can be found in spots around your home and tend to look like coffee grounds or pepper-like grains.
• Sightings: Roaches are nocturnal and are usually more active at night, making them harder to spot throughout the day. However, if you do happen to notice one, you can rest assured that there are others around.
• Shed Skins: Throughout their lifecycle, roaches shed their skin and are capable of producing distinctive egg cases. When enough skin casings and egg cases are found in one area, it’s generally a sign of an infestation.
• Odors: Roaches produce a musty and oily odor when they’re in large numbers. If you notice a strange, unpleasant scent around your home, it could be related to roaches.
• Areas of Chewing Damage: Roaches are known to eat a variety of things, even non-food items such as clothing, books, and cardboard. If you notice small areas of damage caused by chewing, it could be evidence of roaches.
Preventing Roaches
The best way to keep roaches from entering your home is to prevent them with consistent cleaning and maintenance. Here are some tips to make sure your home stays roach-free:
• Clean Regularly: Roaches need access to food and water in order to survive. Go through and clean every corner of your kitchen every week, especially behind large appliances and in sinks.
• Check Groceries: Before bringing groceries into your home, check them for signs of roaches or eggs. If you see them, discard the item or send it back to the store.
• Seal Cracks: Look for small cracks, crevices, or holes in your home and seal them to prevent roaches from entering.
• Fix leaks: Reduce water sources by fixing leaks and sealing water pipes to your home.
• Pest Control: Consider hiring a pest control company to monitor and treat your home for roaches.
Dangers of Roaches
Roaches may be small in size, but the damage they can cause is immense. Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of roaches:
• Health Risks: Roaches can transmit a variety of diseases and even contaminate food and surfaces with droppings or saliva they shed while crawling. They are also known to aggravate allergies and asthma.
• Structural Damage: Roaches can damage items in your home, including wiring and furniture. They also leave behind acid trails on surfaces, which can damage the finish.
• Fire Hazard: Roaches are known to chew through items such as wiring and insulation, which can lead to an increased risk of fires.
Roaches can cause major damage both to your health and your home. If you suspect roaches are present in your home, take action right away to prevent the infestation from spreading. To keep your home roach-free, practice regular cleaning and maintenance, inspect groceries for signs of insects, and seal cracks and crevices around your home. Finally, consider hiring a professional pest control service to treat your home if necessary.
