Five Signs Of Cockroaches To Watch For Around Your Houston Home

There's nothing good about having cockroaches inside your property. While they have their place in nature, cockroaches do not belong in Houston homes. They spread diseases, trigger allergies, and stain your walls. Unfortunately, most people don't realize they have cockroaches until they're battling a major infestation. If you notice any one of these signs of cockroaches, you should call an expert immediately and get rid of your cockroach problem.

1. Cockroach Droppings

As cockroaches roam around your home, they leave behind droppings. Those droppings resemble coffee grinds, and they may be the first evidence you see of their presence. If you have cockroaches in Houston, you are likely to find droppings that measure less than 1mm in length.
 
Keep in mind that cockroach droppings could spread disease. If you see cockroach droppings, it's essential to act swiftly. You can call an experienced pest control technician for assistance.

2. Smear Marks 

When cockroaches are around in high numbers, they leave evidence on the walls and counters. They make smear marks on moist surfaces, like your bathroom counters and basement wall and floor junctions. If you suspect that you have roaches, you need to be strategic in your search. Inspect under your bathroom cabinets, behind kitchen appliances, and in your basement boxes for smear marks. 

3. Egg Casings

If you want to get technical, you can refer to cockroach egg casings as ootheca. Instead of laying eggs one at a time, cockroaches lay multiple eggs at a time in a protected capsule. Some types of cockroaches, like the German cockroach, carry their capsules until they almost hatch, but most kinds of roaches drop their ootheca right away. 
 
The appearance of the ootheca varies based on the species of cockroach. However, they all look somewhat similar. All ootheca have segments and are relatively small in size.

4. Shed Skin

Another common sign of cockroaches is shed skin. As a nymph cockroach matures, it sheds its skin between five and eight times. When you have cockroaches, you might see skins of various sizes. The remnants will be in the areas where cockroaches are hiding.
 
So what does a shed cockroach skin look like? Typically, intact skin resembles a cockroach, but instead of being brown or tan, the casing has a more clear appearance. It may have a light coloration to it, but the shed skin is slightly transparent.

5. Foul Odor 

Because cockroaches defecate where they sleep, eat, and live, they often leave behind a foul odor. These pests also produce a musty pheromone that's attractive to other cockroaches, but not to humans. As the number of cockroaches increases, the smell gets worse, and by the time you notice a foul odor in your home, it could be too late.

What To Do When You See These Signs

Now that you know what to look for, what should you do? It's one thing to see the signs of an infestation, but it's another to respond to them. Since cockroaches are dangerous and difficult to eliminate, you don't have much time. Handling an infestation on your own won't help. Most DIY methods of cockroach removal are ineffective and a waste of time. 
 
For the most effective results, you need professional help. Here at Cantu Pest & Termite, we know how much is at stake. Our team can eliminate cockroaches from your home right away. Rather than hesitate, call us ASAP for assistance with pest control in Houston, TX.