Discovering that you have a cockroach infestation in your home can cause extraordinary stress for you and your family. Not only do they create a health risk because they can spread disease-causing pathogens quickly and efficiently, but do-it-yourself pest control can be dangerous and ineffective.

In Prescott Valley, Arizona, cockroaches primarily live outside but can enter your home through:

Dry drain pipes
Open doors and windows
Deteriorated weather stripping
Old door sweeps

What are the signs of a cockroach infestation?

If you suspect that you have a cockroach infestation in your home, it’s essential to act fast. Cockroaches are prolific breeders that can overtake your home in no time.

The three most common types of cockroaches in Arizona are:

The American cockroach, or the “sewer cockroach,” is the most abundant species in Arizona which seek out dark and filthy areas like bathrooms to live.
The German cockroach, the smallest roach species in Arizona, is commonly found in the kitchen.
The Oriental cockroach, or “water beetle,” lives true to its name and is located in the moist areas of a home, like drains.

These tell-tale signs can help you determine if you need to reach out for professional pest control.

You Find Dead or Alive Cockroaches

Cockroaches are mostly active at night and can be seen in passing as you search for a midnight snack or take a trip to the bathroom. They will run for cover once you turn on a light. If the population is extreme, you may see roaches during the day as well. Competition for food will cause them to adjust to a daytime schedule to survive. Finding a dead cockroach near droppings or eggs is also an indicator of an active infestation.

You Find Egg Casings or Droppings

Dropping appearance can vary depending on the type of cockroach, but most droppings will look like coffee grounds or pepper flecks. These are most commonly found:

On counters and floors
In the corners of cabinets and pantries
Underneath kitchen appliances

Like the variation in droppings, breeding habits can also vary by type of cockroach, but in all cases, they will detach their egg casing—known as an ootheca—hours before hatching. The ootheca is long, brown, and translucent. You can find these:

In books
Inside cabinets and pantries
In any dark, hidden areas
If the infestation is severe, on countertops

You Smell a Musty or Pungent Odor

Detecting an odor is not common until the roach infestation is very severe. Roaches can leave a smell due to secreted pheromones, droppings, and dead cockroaches.

How do I prevent a cockroach infestation?

Now that you know what to look for, you can also follow a series of preventative measures to ensure you’re protected against any future infestations.

Keep your home clean. Roaches are attracted to messy, crowded areas and will not restrict their diet to just food!
Limit where you eat. Restricting eating locations in the home helps contain the mess left behind by crumbs and spills and makes for easier cleanup.
Protect your food sources by keeping them in plastic, glass, or metal containers. Cardboard can be easily chewed through.
Don’t neglect your dirty dishes or overflowing trash can, and make sure your trash can has a secured lid if possible.
Get rid of easy entry points by making sure they are sealed and protected.
In an era of online shopping, make sure you recycle your cardboard regularly. Cardboard is a preferred shelter for cockroaches.

How can SOS Exterminating get rid of cockroaches?

Although there are many signs to help identify a cockroach infestation, a trained professional can adequately read the evidence. Cockroaches can not only be an inconvenience, but a severe health risk to anyone living in the home. Contact SOS Exterminating to seal and protect your home from future infestations, and deal with any existing problems.