eliminating ants, flies and other household pests

Cockroaches are one of the worst pests that you can have in your home. This is mainly because they can carry a wide range of different diseases and can breed at an alarming rate. This means that you need to be able to identify a cockroach infestation early before they have a chance to reproduce in large numbers. Early detection makes the removal and cleaning process quicker and easier. Fortunately, there are a few common warning signs that you can look out for to determine if you should call a pest removal service.

Smells

The first sign that you have a population of cockroaches in your home, which is unfortunately hard to notice, is a chronic unpleasant smell that doesn't seem to go away no matter how much you clean and tidy up. Cockroaches will give off an acrid, sweet smell that is extremely unpleasant, but you may grow used to it with time, making it hard to identify. If any of your guests comment on the smell or you find that your home smells strange when you come in from a period of time outside, cockroaches may be the cause.

Shell Casings and Egg Sacs

Shell casings and dead cockroaches are a pretty clear indication that you have cockroaches present somewhere in your home, but what really points to a large and growing population is the presence of egg sacs. Egg sacs are always in out-of-the-way spaces, usually in dark areas near food, such as under the sink or at the back of your cabinets. They tend to be brown, long, and thin in color. Avoid removing egg sacs and dead bugs yourself as they can still carry diseases and present a threat to your health.

Droppings

Finally, you should watch out for cockroach droppings around your home. Cockroach droppings are extremely small and take the appearance of grains of pepper or black sand. They will smudge if pressed or rubbed. The more droppings that are present, the larger your cockroach problem is and the more important it is that you talk to a pest control specialist straight away. Droppings are more common in areas with food, so keep an eye out in the kitchen or in any other area that has a large amount of cardboard, newspapers, or other paper goods as these also serve as a prime food source for cockroaches.

For more information about identifying a cockroach infestation, speak to a pest control service near you, such as Premier Termite & Pest Control.