Considered “the oldest pest in the world,” cockroaches have been prevalent throughout history. The secret to its resilience and longevity? Most likely his ability to stay hidden!

Being nocturnal, these insects spend most of the day in hiding before coming out at night. In fact, the German cockroach, a species commonly found in kitchens, spends more than 75% of its life in hiding! Cockroaches can also fit into tight, inaccessible spaces, such as under the floor, behind wallpaper, or between kitchen appliances. In short, cockroach infestations can be very difficult to detect.

Sometimes the best way (and only way) to identify a roach infestation is through the signs they leave behind. Read on to learn the common signs of a roach infestation, as well as what you can do to prevent and treat them.

Is it a cockroach infestation? Here are 6 signs that it is.

1. Cockroach droppings. These are usually dark and small, almost like coffee grounds or mouse droppings.
2. Bad smells. Cockroach feces actually emit a certain pheromone that attracts other roaches. However, that pheromone smells strange and musty to humans. If you notice any unusual odors in your home, it could be cockroaches.
3. Cockroach eggs. Their egg cases are oval in shape and light in color.
4. dart movement. Cockroaches can be seen moving quickly between walls, corners, and spaces, especially in the middle of the night or in dark areas.
5. Shed the skin. Cockroaches shed their exoskeleton many times throughout their lives, leaving skin debris of various sizes.
6. Damage to property. Roaches will eat almost anything, so you may see bite marks or light damage to food containers or other materials.

4 Ways to Prevent a Cockroach Infestation

• Maintain good sanitation. Keeping your eating and living space clean is absolutely essential. Properly sealing food containers, cleaning up crumbs, cleaning under appliances, regular vacuuming, mopping and sanitizing floors and counters, emptying the trash can, and other sanitation practices will go a long way to deter roaches.
• Sealing of entry points. If you live in an old, drafty home, or are undergoing renovations, it’s a good idea to look into securing cracks between walls, utility pipes, doors, windows, etc. to prevent the entry of cockroaches and other pests.
• Promptly dispose of food containers and bags. Cockroaches and their eggs can be unknowingly brought into your home in grocery bags, produce boxes, beverage containers, and more. Be sure to dispose of these items quickly and efficiently to limit the risk of an infestation.
• Eliminate wet spaces. Cockroaches love warm, moist spaces like basements, behind toilets, and under sinks. Properly clean and inspect these spaces, or perhaps invest in a dehumidifier.

Why you should be proactive about roaches

In addition to being an annoying pest, cockroaches can contaminate your food and the environment in your home very quickly. In less than a year, a single female German cockroach can produce several thousand new roaches.

Cockroaches are considered a major health risk, capable of transmitting disease pathogens such as bacteria that cause food poisoning, as well as triggering asthma, watery eyes, and even rashes in some people. They will eat just about anything from paper to cotton to flour while reproducing quickly. If you see just one roach in your home or workplace, there are likely more, and they may have already contaminated your living space.

How to deal with a cockroach infestation

If you notice signs of an infestation, even without seeing the roaches, don’t hesitate to seek help. Call on a licensed pest control professional, like the professionals at Black Diamond, to help you safely and effectively eliminate an infestation. Just dial 877-DEAD-BUG at any time!