When you think of cockroaches, you probably think of squalid apartment buildings and sketchy restaurants. But believe it or not, even the cleanest homes and businesses can still get cockroaches. These pests can cause a multitude of problems, but by keeping an eye out for the signs of cockroaches on your Portland property, you may be able to stop the problem before it grows out of control.
What To Know About Cockroaches
Cockroaches can be found just about anywhere there are people. While appearance and behavior varies from species to species, cockroaches can generally be described as oval-shaped, flat-bodied insects that feed on a wide variety of materials and reproduce in great numbers. These pests usually prefer to work under cover of darkness and are experts at hiding. So, you are more likely to see evidence of cockroach activity before you ever see a physical roach.
Six Signs Of Cockroach Problems
The good news is that cockroaches leave plenty of signs of their presence. The usual signs of a cockroach infestation include:
- Egg cases – Also called “oothecae,” cockroach egg cases can resemble a stack of coins or a small leather purse, depending on the species. These cases are often found in clothing, blankets, or paper materials.
- Shed skin – As cockroaches develop, they molt and shed their skin. The shed skin is typically intact and translucent or white in color.
- Odor – A developed cockroach infestation tends to produce a peculiar smell. Roaches emit pheromones to attract more roaches, resulting in a dank, musty odor.
- Droppings – Cockroach droppings resemble coffee ground or specks of black pepper. They are sometimes mistaken for mouse droppings, but unlike mice, roaches leave droppings with flat, blunted ends.
- Smears – Discoloration and smearing around floors and walls can be a sign of cockroach infestation. These smear marks are sometimes accompanied by droppings.
- Live roaches – Of course, seeing live roaches means you’ve got roaches, but the presence of cockroaches out in the open often indicates dozens more hiding out nearby.
How Dangerous Are Cockroaches?
Cockroaches cause just about every problem that a pest can. First and foremost, cockroaches are known to spread disease. They spend their time in some nasty places like dumpsters and bathrooms and can transmit the pathogens they pick up in those locations. Cockroaches can cause dysentery, gastroenteritis, salmonellosis, and other illnesses.
Cockroaches can also cause damage to property and belongings. They will eat strange things like adhesives and bookbindings, destroying everything from insulation to family heirlooms.
In the case of a severe infestation, cockroaches can even cause allergies as a result of excess saliva, shed skin, and droppings. These allergies can lead to more serious conditions like asthma and eczema.
Finally, cockroaches cause distress. It’s hard to get a good night’s sleep knowing that you have filthy cockroaches crawling around on your Portland property.
Cockroaches are frustratingly difficult to get rid of. They can be shockingly fast and evade attempts to squash them by quickly fleeing under cracks or heavy appliances. Many cockroaches have even grown to resist store-bought pesticides. Because they are most comfortable in dark, concealed environments, locating the source of a cockroach infestation can be especially difficult.
If you see any signs of cockroach activity on your Portland property, get in touch with the pros at Kanga Pest Control right away. We offer both commercial and residential pest control services to eliminate roaches in homes and businesses alike. With eco-friendly options available and a pest-free guarantee for all of our services, we strive to exceed your expectations. For relief from cockroaches and other troublesome pests in Portland, contact us today.
