Ways to Identify a Potential Cockroach Infestation

Knowing how to tell if you have cockroaches can come in handy if you suspect you have any lurking in your home. If you do have roaches, you better call an exterminator before a bad situation gets much worse.

4 UNMISTAKABLE SIGNS OF A COCKROACH INFESTATION

You’ll know if you have a cockroach infestation by these four unmistakable signs:

1.  Smelling a pungent, musty, oily odor that gets worse over time. The smell lingers and can affect the taste of food.
2. Finding roach feces that look like tiny specks of pepper, coffee grounds, oval pellets, or brown stains behind the refrigerator or stove, or in cupboards or sinks.
3. Seeing roach egg cases. They look like brown, oblong casings, either empty or with eggs inside. Look between cracks in walls, between books on a bookshelf, and inside the pantry.
4. Spotting a roach, most likely at night, but during the day if the infestation is particularly invasive. Dead roaches are not a sign that the infestation has ended, but that it’s ongoing.

If you have any of these signs, you need cockroach pest control immediately.

FAQS ABOUT GETTING RID OF COCKROACHES

Renters and homeowners often have a lot of questions when they first realize that cockroaches are present in their living space and they need cockroach pest control.

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about cockroach pest control.

Can I Get Rid of Roaches Without an Exterminator?

If you have signs of cockroaches, you are better off calling a professional exterminator rather than trying to get rid of them on your own. This is because it is very time consuming and difficult to kill them all, including their eggs, which causes repeated infestations. An exterminator can kill all roaches and eggs quickly and effectively so you can rest easy.

What Home Remedies Kill Cockroaches Instantly?

There are many home remedies currently circulating on the internet. Unfortunately, they are NOT effective to kill cockroaches instantly.

Some of these false home remedies include:

• Lemon or other citrus sprays or juices
• Soap or soapy water
• Cucumber peels
• Fabric softener sheets

What Smells Keep Roaches Away?

There are a few smells that keep roaches away from a specific area for a short amount of time, but they won’t kill roaches and won’t prevent or stop an infestation.

The following can be used temporarily until professional extermination measures kill off the nest of bugs:

• Peppermint
• Tea tree oil
• White vinegar
• Bay Leaf
• Catnip

If you’re not satisfied with just repelling them instead of eliminating them, keep reading to learn about the best pest control for roaches.

Can an Exterminator Get Rid of Cockroaches?

Yes, an exterminator can get rid of cockroaches, including a serious infestation of them. Exterminators will inspect your home to find the extent of the problem and where the nest(s) are located. Then, they’ll make a plan that is unique to your situation, which will include spraying your home with a professional-strength cockroach killer, setting bait stations, monitoring for effectiveness, and following up until every roach is gone.

How Long Does It Take an Exterminator to Get Rid of Roaches?

How long it takes for an exterminator to get rid of roaches depends on the particulars of your home and the size of the infestation. Cockroach pest control sometimes only requires one visit which may kill all the bugs in about two weeks. Other times, a few follow-up visits will need to take place to completely clear your home.

Do Roaches Come Back After Extermination?

Typically, roaches won’t return after extermination—if proper food storage, cleanliness, and exposure issues are taken care of regularly.

Here are some important things you need to do to keep roaches from coming back after extermination:

• Keep food and beverages in sealed containers.
• Get rid of any standing water and fix all leaky faucets.
• Wipe down countertops and inside cupboards.
• Sweep, mop, and vacuum at least a few times a week.
• Seal all holes and cracks to the outdoors.

Unfortunately, if you live in multiple-unit housing, the entire building will need to be treated to truly end a cockroach infestation.

How Do I Get Rid of Roaches Permanently?

To get rid of roaches permanently, you need to kill all living roaches, including all the eggs that may be spread around your home. This is why it can be ineffective to exterminate them yourself.

When you hire an exterminator, you’re choosing the best pest control for roaches. Their professional spray will kill all cockroaches, including eggs. The exterminator will also reinspect and return until the job is completely done.
If you have tried DIY pest control and failed, or if you are uninterested in dealing with it at all and just want the filthy little beasts out of your home, contact American Pest Control now!