4 Signs You Have a Cockroach Infestation

Cockroaches are one of the trickiest pests to deal with because of how quickly they can multiply and how well they hide. By the time you spot a few in the open, there may already be many more hiding in dark corners, waiting until the coast is clear. And because they reproduce so fast, an infestation can build before you even realize what’s happening.

The good news is that you don’t have to wait until you’re overrun. If you learn to recognize the early signs of cockroach activity, you can take action before the problem escalates. With that in mind, let’s go over the top four signs of cockroach infestation to watch for, how to tell if you have cockroaches, and some tips on where they’re most likely to show up.

1. Know How Roaches Get in Your House

Cockroaches can get inside from practically any angle. American cockroaches, for example, are among the largest species you’re likely to encounter. While they aren’t skilled at flying, they can still use their wings to glide down from higher areas like gutters or overhangs. Smokybrown cockroaches, on the other hand, are much more capable fliers. They can easily launch from tree branches and make their way to your siding, where even a small gap can be enough for them to get inside.

However, it’s the rooms closest to the ground that have the greatest risk of roaches. Even a well-sealed basement will still have tiny cracks, and while adult cockroaches may look too big to squeeze through, juveniles can easily slip in through spaces so small you wouldn’t be able to fit your fingernail inside.

The most important areas to watch are windowsills and doorways. These are among the most common entry points for roaches, and where infestations often begin. That’s why, during our roach infestation treatments, we strategically place traps in these areas to intercept roaches as they try to sneak inside, cutting off their entry points before they spread deeper into your home.

2. Odd Smelling Old Furniture

One of the most difficult signs of roaches to miss is the odor. Cockroaches release pheromones that build up over time, leaving behind a distinctly musty, stale odor. Many people describe it as smelling like old wet cardboard or stale coffee grounds, and while this odor lingers practically everywhere roaches travel, it clings most to fabric and upholstery. 

That’s why old furniture that’s been sitting in storage can carry a strong smell if cockroaches have been nearby. For this reason, you should exercise caution when handling furniture you suspect might have roaches, since moving it could stir up both pests and allergens. When in doubt, call Accel Pest and Termite Control to check for pests after bringing questionable furniture into your home.

3. How to Know if You Have Roaches in Your House’s Closets

Roaches can feed on practically anything organic, and your closet is a fantastic hiding place that’s full of food. Cardboard boxes full of paper or stored items pose a double threat to infestations, as they provide a steady food source and shelter where roaches can lay eggs and spread rapidly.

Any food supplies stored in your closet exacerbate the problem exponentially. The more sources of nutrients roaches have, the faster they can breed. For this reason, food should always be stored in your kitchen, and if you’re storing long-term items in your basement, ensure they’re sealed airtight. Even a small amount of accessible food in the wrong spot can attract roaches and fuel an infestation.

4. How to Know if Roaches Are in Your Plumbing

Roaches can squeeze into shockingly small spaces, and while they’re not expert swimmers, they’re skilled at navigating tight pipes. This is one of the reasons why they can seem to appear out of nowhere, and it’s also why you may never be sure exactly how many are hiding out of sight. You might see just one or two near a drain, but dozens more could be lurking deeper in the system.

To cut off their access, build healthy habits around your kitchen and bathroom sinks. Cover drains when they’re not in use, and use disinfectants regularly to remove buildup that attracts roaches. These simple steps make your plumbing less appealing and help reduce the chances of roaches crawling into your home through the pipes.

Other Signs of Cockroaches

Beyond what we’ve already gone over, some subtle signs can tip you off to a potential roach problem. Cockroaches are drawn to areas that offer warmth, moisture, and darkness. This includes behind the fridge, beneath sinks, around the washer and dryer, or even inside cluttered closets. If these areas aren’t cleaned or accessed regularly, they become ideal places for cockroaches to set up shop.

Several other factors can also make your home more appealing to roaches:

• Pet food left out overnight

• Open garbage bins
• Cracks around windows or baseboards
• Gaps under doors
• Leaky pipes or dripping faucets
• Cardboard boxes and paper piles

A combination of these signs might not confirm a cockroach infestation outright, but they certainly increase the chances of one forming.

How Do You Get Rid of Roach Infestations

Seeing even one cockroach is a sign that you shouldn’t ignore. Roaches are fast breeders, and it doesn’t take long for a small problem to turn into an overwhelming infestation. The sooner you act, the easier it is to keep your home roach-free.

With proactive pest control for roaches and ongoing protection, you can spend more time relaxing and less time worrying about when you’ll see the next roach. Contact Accel Pest and Termite Control to schedule an inspection and set up recurring services designed to keep cockroaches away for good.