Cockroaches are one of the most persistent and unwelcome houseguests you can face. But how do you know if you’re dealing with an infestation, and when do you need professional guidance to reclaim your home from them? Here are our expert tips on how to spot and control a cockroach infestation.
How to Identify a Cockroach Infestation
Cockroach infestations can grow out of control quickly, so spotting them early can save you time, money, and stress. Here are the signs you should watch for:
- Musty smells: If you start smelling an unpleasant and oily scent in your home, it could be a sign of roach activity. This comes from the pheromones that they use to navigate and communicate with each other.
- Visible droppings: Droppings are the most obvious signs of a cockroach infestation. Look for small, dark pellets resembling coffee grounds or black pepper, particularly under sinks, behind appliances, or in cabinet corners.
- Skin sheddings: Cockroaches shed their skin over seven times as they mature into adulthood. You might find empty shells in similar places to where termites shelter.
- Damage to surfaces: Cockroaches chew on different objects in your home, from wood and leather to cardboard and book bindings. You could be dealing with roaches if you notice unexplained damage to these items, especially in dark and hidden areas.
- White cockroaches: Cockroaches appear white when they’ve recently molted. If you see one, that’s generally a sign of an infestation.
Should I Call an Exterminator for Roaches?
If you see a single cockroach in your home, it may not be much of a problem. However, it had to have come from somewhere, and there’s a good chance others might be hiding close by.
If you see (or smell) any signs of an infestation or if you see at least two cockroaches, it’s a good idea to call an exterminator as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the problem could become.
Here are some other times that you’ll probably want to call an exterminator:
- Daytime sightings: Spotting cockroaches during the day is a strong sign of an infestation. Since roaches are nocturnal, daytime sightings can mean their hiding spaces have become overcrowded.
- If DIY methods aren’t working: If over-the-counter pesticides and traps haven’t made a dent in your roach population, it’s time to call in the pros.
- If you have health concerns: Cockroaches can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children. They can also carry harmful bacteria that contaminate food and surfaces.
- If you see signs of a nest: Egg casings, juvenile roaches, and white cockroaches are all clear signs of a breeding population. When an infestation becomes that large, it usually takes professional treatment to eliminate it.
Where Cockroaches Hide and How to Stop Them
To hone your cockroach infestation-spotting skills, you should know some of the most common places where they like to hide. Here are a few of them, along with some ways you can prevent cockroaches from settling down in each.
- Pipes and plumbing: The dark, damp areas around pipes are prime real estate for cockroaches. The best way to prevent an infestation is to fix leaks as soon as possible.
- Furniture and appliances: Look for cockroaches in the warm, dark spaces behind and under refrigerators, ovens, and other large appliances. They may also hide in the crevices of upholstered furniture. Clean your furniture regularly, and contact an exterminator if you see egg casings.
- Cracks and crevices: Any small opening in walls, floors, or ceilings is fair game for cockroaches. They can squeeze through cracks as thin as a dime to move unseen through your home. It’s best not to store any loose debris in your home to prevent an infestation. You should also seal all wall and flooring cracks.
- Smaller appliances: Small appliances like toasters, microwaves, and coffee makers offer warmth for cockroaches and food residue they can snack on. Wipe down these appliances after each use, and take out the trash regularly to prevent infestations.
How Exterminators Kill Roaches
Exterminators kill cockroaches in three primary ways and will use the best balance of baits and sprays to control your specific infestation.
Each of these methods has the potential to spread. Sometimes, cockroaches who consume bait will have enough time to introduce it to others in their nest. Roaches are also known for eating their dead, so they may inadvertently consume bait their relatives fell for.
Gel Baits
Exterminators place gel baits in strategic spots where roaches travel. Different kinds of baits have different mechanisms. However, when a roach eats the gel, they’ll return to their nest and ultimately die. If a cockroach has time to introduce the bait to the nest as food, then it may affect other roaches.
Boric Acid
Boric acid has a dust-like consistency, making it ideal for exterminators to use on a variety of home surfaces, cracks, and crevices. It sticks to cockroaches’ bodies so they ingest it while grooming. Once it’s inside, it disrupts the digestive and nervous systems to cause death.
Though it’s lethal to cockroaches, it’s generally safe for humans and pets when applied in a low-toxicity amount and formulation.
Hydramethylnon
Hydramethylnon is a professional-grace insecticide exterminators use to create barriers and treat cockroach hiding spots. It’s only effective if roaches eat it, but when they do, it disrupts their metabolism, resulting in their death.
This is a dangerous chemical, so your exterminator should consider possible safety risks if you have children or pets.
The Cost of Exterminators for Cockroaches
The cost of professional roach extermination can vary widely depending on the severity of the infestation and the size of your home.
According to Angi, it can cost $100–$400 per treatment to stop a minor cockroach problem. More severe infestations or more frequent treatments will add to the cost—but in any case, a roach-free home is well worth what you pay.
How Long Cockroach Extermination Takes
If your exterminator uses the right attack strategy, you can start to see less roach activity within a week. However, cockroaches are notoriously difficult to stop. Completely getting rid of an infestation can take several weeks, along with follow-up treatments and monitoring appointments.
How to Get Rid of Roaches Without an Exterminator
You might see sticky cockroach traps at a home improvement store. While these can be highly effective, there are more human methods of control you can use, and nothing compares to an exterminator’s professional tools and techniques.
If you’re dealing with an extremely minor cockroach infestation or want to supplement the professional baits and insecticides, here are a few home remedies that might work.
- Sugar and baking soda: While some cockroaches are averse to sugar, others have a voracious appetite for it. Mix it with an equal amount of baking soda, and when they eat it, it’ll cause their stomachs to expand to the point of death.
- Caulk: Use caulk to seal off gaps and cracks where cockroaches can enter. Focus on walls, tiles, window seals, and doors.
- Citrus: Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges smell fresh to us, but stinky to cockroaches. Add a few drops of lemon oil to some water, and then use the solution to mop your floors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cockroaches before you call an exterminator?
There’s no magic number, but if you’ve seen more than one or two roaches in a short period, it’s time to consider professional help. Even a single roach can indicate a larger problem, as they’re typically good at hiding.
If you’re seeing roaches regularly, especially during the day, that’s a red flag. Don’t wait until you’re counting roaches by the dozen – early intervention is key.
When to be concerned about roaches?
Be concerned as soon as you spot one. A single roach can quickly turn into an infestation. Pay extra attention if you see roaches during daylight hours, as they’re nocturnal creatures.
This could mean their hiding spaces are overcrowded. Also, be wary if you notice a musty odor, see droppings, or find egg casings. These are all signs that it’s time to act.
Is pest control worth it for roaches?
Absolutely. DIY methods can help with small problems, but for a true infestation, professional pest control is invaluable. Exterminators have access to more potent treatments and can identify and treat hidden nests that homeowners might miss.
They also provide ongoing prevention strategies. When you factor in the health risks and potential damage from roaches, professional pest control is a worthwhile investment.
How long after extermination will I stop seeing roaches?
This varies depending on the severity of the infestation and the treatment used. Typically, you’ll see a significant reduction within a few days to a week.
However, you might continue seeing some roaches for up to two weeks as they come into contact with the treatment. If you’re still seeing live roaches after two weeks, contact your pest control provider for a follow-up treatment.
What are the signs of a cockroach infestation?
Key signs include:
- Seeing live roaches, especially during the day
- Roach droppings, which look like small, dark pellets
- A musty, oily odor
- Egg casings (oothecae) in hidden areas
- Smear marks where roaches travel along walls
- Dead roaches
- Shed skins as nymphs grow
- Damage to food packaging or books If you notice any of these signs, particularly in combination, it’s likely you’re dealing with an infestation and should consider professional help.
