Cockroaches are one of the worst pests on the island of Ireland. They smell, spread disease, contaminate anything they touch and reproduce rapidly. The worst thing about these pests – you may not be aware you have them until the infestation is out of hand. Here at UPC, we believe knowledge is power. So, here are 4 signs you may be dealing with a cockroach infestation.
1. Spotting a cockroach during the day
Many people don’t pay much attention if they spot a single cockroach. However, this is a big mistake. Cockroaches are nocturnal. Therefore, it is unlikely to see a solitary cockroach during the day. Unless of course, there is a significant infestation. Cockroaches only become active during the day if they need to eat. And they only need to eat during the day if the competition for food at night is too much. So, seeing a cockroach scuttling about during the day is a very worrying sign that you may have an infestation.
2. An unexplainable musty smell is a sign of a cockroach infestation
A single cockroach stinks. It is a weird musty, almost oily smell. Cockroaches secrete various chemicals. And it is these chemicals that cause the odour. So, imagine how bad this smell becomes when you are dealing with hundreds of roaches. If you have noticed a musty smell in your home – particularly in the kitchen or bathroom – this is a huge indication that you are dealing with cockroaches.
3. Spotting dead roaches or shed skins
Coming across a dead cockroach or discarded cockroach skins are obvious signs of infestation. A single roach is unlikely to make it into your home and then die. The likelihood is that it came with friends. And finding shed skins is absolute confirmation that there is an infestation. Throughout their lifecycle, cockroaches shed their skins several times. Many people may not realise they have an infestation, based on shed skins alone. Especially if they do not know what shed skins look like. So it is worth noting that shed skin is typically white and often looks like a deflated cockroach.
4. Coming across droppings means cockroach infestation
Finding cockroach droppings in your home is an obvious indicator of an infestation. Although, similar to the shed skins, not many people know what cockroach dropping looks like. Therefore, they miss this early sign of an infestation, thus allowing it to get worse. Cockroach droppings look like ground pepper or coffee grounds. You are likely to come across these dropping in drawers, on countertops, under appliances and in corners of the home.
Contact Ultimate Pest Control
Ultimate Pest Control provides fast, effective cockroach control solutions. If you are having a problem with these disease-spreading insects, contact us today!
