No homeowner in St Louis wants to see cockroaches in their home. But these pests can easily hide during the day while spreading germs and multiplying fast. The warm summers and older homes in the area create the perfect hiding spots. That is why cockroaches are a real concern there. This makes it essential to know the early signs of an infestation. This way, homeowners can contact an exterminator in St. Louis to help them eliminate the problem for good. Below are the common signs of a cockroach invasion:
You See at Least Once Cockroach
Cockroaches are nocturnal, which means they usually move around at night. So, seeing them while the sun is out could mean their hiding places are overcrowded due to a growing population. These creatures love dark and damp areas. That is why they can be seen under the sink, behind the refrigerator, or in basement corners. If you see one, there may be more hiding nearby.
Droppings in Hidden Places
Cockroach droppings look like tiny black specks or pepper-like grains. In some cases, they may also resemble coffee grounds or dark smudges. You might find these around food cabinets, along baseboards, or inside drawers. Their waste can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children. So, it’s important to clean these areas thoroughly and monitor for new signs.
A Musty, Oily Smell
Some describe the odor as an oily or sour smell. As the infestation grows, the odor becomes stronger and harder to ignore. This odor is caused by pheromones that cockroaches use to communicate and mark their territory. If your kitchen or bathroom smells odd for no clear reason, consider investigating.
Egg Casings Left Behind
Cockroaches lay eggs in brownish capsules called oothecae. These casings are usually about 1/4 inch long and can contain dozens of eggs. You might find them stuck to surfaces in tight corners, cracks, or behind appliances. Some species carry their egg cases until they are ready to hatch, but many leave them behind. Spotting one of these is a strong sign that cockroaches are reproducing in your home.
Smear Marks on Walls and Surfaces
Cockroaches often leave smear marks as they travel in areas with high moisture. These marks look like dark smudges and are usually found on horizontal surfaces or at the base of walls. Look closer if you notice these streaks near baseboards or behind appliances.
Damage to Food and Packaging
Cockroaches will eat anything, including pantry items, pet food, paper, and cardboard. If you notice chew marks or holes in food packaging, these pests might be looking for a snack. Cockroaches are especially attracted to sugary, starchy, and greasy foods. Always keep food sealed in airtight containers. Also, don’t leave dirty dishes or crumbs out overnight.
Increased Allergy Symptoms
Cockroach allergens can affect your health even if you don’t see the bugs themselves. Their saliva, droppings, and body parts can trigger allergies or worsen asthma symptoms.
Seeing Cockroaches in Your Appliances
Cockroaches love the warmth and darkness inside appliances. Seeing these bugs crawling around these spots or finding droppings near them could mean they have found a home. Always unplug appliances before checking them. Also, clean regularly to remove crumbs and spills that attract pests.
What to Do if You Suspect Roaches
Cleaning is a good first step, but cockroaches are resilient. Thus, they often require professional treatment to get rid of them completely.
This is where Pointe Pest Control can help. Professionals use safe and targeted treatments that eliminate infestations at the source. They have the tools and experience to handle the job. Also, they provide advice on how to keep cockroaches from returning.
