How To Identify A Cockroach Problem In Your Naples Home

Not only are cockroaches stealthy and resilient, but they’re also one of the longest-surviving species in the world, a true testament to their adaptability. Inhabiting all parts of the world and capable of surviving all sorts of conditions, they even live in the Arctic circle. It’s commonly problematic to spot or suspect cockroaches pitter-pattering in and around your Naples home.

Fortunately for homeowners, cockroaches are the kind of pests that leave behind traces of their presence, and you’re likely to notice signs of cockroaches before seeing an actual roach, something which can allow for pest control solutions to take place sooner rather than later. Read on for the signs of cockroaches in your home, the dangers they bring, and how difficult it is to eradicate a roach infestation on your own.

What Are Signs Of Cockroaches In The Home?

If you have cockroaches in your home, you’ll likely notice one or more of the telltale signs of a roach infestation. A few of the most common include:

• Droppings: These resemble coffee grounds, black pepper, or, for some species, dark grains of rice. Droppings tend to be closer to where cockroaches nest or feed.
• Smear Marks: The smudges of cockroach feces are brown to black in color and may be seen anywhere on surfaces or in areas where cockroaches travel.
• Egg Capsules: These resemble small, pill-shape casings that are soon to hatch or have already hatched.
• Shed Skins: The shedding occurs five to eight times during the roach lifetime. 
• Musty Unpleasant Odor: The odor is left behind from the rotten food, garbage, and decomposing matter they eat.

Dangers Of Cockroaches

Cockroaches can be dangerous to have in your home for several reasons, the main one being that they are known to carry disease-causing bacteria and pathogens, which can cause sickness in people and their pets. 

When it comes to mealtimes, anything goes for cockroaches, and they’ll eat just about anything, from fallen specs of food to sweets in your pantry, other insects in and around your home, trash, roadkill, and feces. When cockroaches enter a home, they are at risk of transferring this bacteria, especially if they travel on surfaces where food is eaten or prepared or on the food itself. Some of the bacteria that cockroaches carry and transfer to food include streptococcus, salmonella, E. coli, and staphylococcus.

How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches On Your Own—Is it Possible?

Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible for homeowners to get rid of cockroaches at home without the help of professional pest control services. 

As we mentioned above, cockroaches are one of the most resilient species in history—and thus, they’re also one of the most difficult to get rid of for various reasons. Cockroaches hide, breed, and nest in a myriad of areas in and around the home, making it difficult to pinpoint and successfully eradicate the infestation in its entirety. Cockroaches also breed quickly, and females can produce up to 224 offspring within her 180-day lifespan. Even worse, cockroaches can also become resistant to pesticides.

The Road To Cockroach Elimination

The best route to take if you spot signs of cockroaches around your home is to call the professionals at your local family-owned and operated pest control service, Keller’s Pest Control.

We’ve been helping homeowners clear their homes of cockroaches and other pests since our founding. We also specialize in cockroach cleanouts and assisting restaurants in resolving issues that have resulted in closure. If you suspect an infestation, let us handle it for you.