German cockroaches are common in Four Corners. They are hard to eliminate and carry some diseases and pathogens that can harm people on contact. But you can effectively address a German cockroach infestation by identifying the signs of their presence. An exterminator in Four Corners is aware of the different types of cockroaches and uses the right kind of treatment for each of them. They know how German roaches behave and react to treatment. Below are signs German cockroaches may have taken over your home:
You Spot Them During the Day
German cockroaches are nocturnal, which means they usually come out at night. So, seeing them during the day means the infestation might have gotten large enough that some roaches are being pushed out of their hiding spots. You should act fast if you spot them crawling around in the daytime, especially in your kitchen or bathroom. These bugs reproduce quickly, and seeing one may mean more of them are hiding nearby.
You Find Droppings
German cockroach droppings are small, dark, and look like coffee grounds. They can be found in places where roaches like to hang out such as kitchen cabinets, under the sink, or behind appliances. You may also see smear marks instead of dry droppings, especially in humid areas. These marks and droppings can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in kids.
You Notice a Musty Odor
German cockroaches can produce an oily, foul odor that gets worse as their numbers grow. The smell can stick to surfaces, food, and clothing stored in infested areas.
Egg Cases or Shells
German cockroaches reproduce fast. A single female can carry an egg case that holds up to 40 baby roaches. These egg cases are light brown and about 1/4 inch long. You might find them stuck to surfaces or hidden in dark corners. The shells may be left behind once they hatch. Finding even one egg case or shell means there are probably many more cockroaches nearby.
You Hear Rustling or Movement
Roaches do not make loud noises, but you might hear faint rustling or tapping sounds if the infestation is large enough. The sounds often come from inside cabinets, behind walls, or under appliances where the roaches hide during the day. It might sound like something moving through paper or plastic.
You See Shed Skins
German cockroaches shed their skins several times as they grow. These pale, papery skins are often found near their hiding spots. You might spot them along baseboards, inside drawers, or behind appliances.
You Find Roaches in Unusual Places
German cockroaches are experts at hiding in tight spaces. Kitchens and bathrooms are their favorite hangouts, but you might also find them in unexpected places such as inside electronics, behind picture frames, and in closets. They can flatten their bodies and squeeze into tiny cracks, so they are hard to spot.
You See Baby Roaches
Baby German cockroaches are smaller and darker than adults. Seeing lots of nymphs crawling around is worse than seeing a few adults. It means the roaches are reproducing inside your home. Nymphs are usually found near food and water sources, such as under the sink, in the pantry, or behind the fridge. They may also be hiding in cracks in the walls or cabinets.
Your Food or Food Packaging Is Damaged
German cockroaches are always on the hunt for food. Noticing chew marks, holes, or droppings inside food packaging indicates their presence. These pests will also eat glue, paper, and cardboard if nothing else is available. Contaminated food should be thrown out immediately. These pests carry bacteria that can cause food poisoning and other health issues.
