You turn on the light in your bathroom and see a bunch of small brown pests scram. Oh no, you’ve got cockroaches. Cockroaches are at the top of the list of pests people never want in their homes. These pests not only pose health hazards, but they can also be challenging to get rid of because they’re highly resilient and persistent. In fact, So it’s generally wise to address an infestation at first sight of these disgusting pests.

Signs You May Have Cockroaches

Identifying whether or not you have a cockroach infestation isn’t always easy. Because these pests only come out during the night and hide extremely well during the day, many homeowners are completely unaware they have cockroaches living with them. Keep an eye out for the following signs if you suspect you have cockroaches.

• Unpleasant musty odor: cockroaches produce an unpleasant oily, musty smell that gets stronger as an infestation grows.
• Cockroach droppings: cockroach waste looks similar to coffee grounds or ground black pepper. You may find droppings in well-hidden areas like in cupboards and underneath sinks.
• Seeing a cockroach during the day: cockroaches generally stay hidden during the day, so if you see a cockroach in plain sight during the day, you most likely have a large infestation.

Can I Take Care of Cockroaches Myself?

Yes, you could try to get rid of a couple of cockroaches yourself, but store-bought products and DIY methods are generally not effective when combating pests, especially resilient cockroaches. This is because the chemicals don’t reach the small crevices where roaches congregate the most. Store products also leave behind toxic residue on your most-heavily used surfaces which can be harmful to people and pets.

Cockroach Prevention

Because cockroaches are so difficult to manage, prevention is key. Below are some steps you can take to help prevent a cockroach infestation in your home.

• Keep your home clean: cockroaches eat literally anything including food, paper, glue, and dandruff
• Block off potential entry points: cockroaches have small, flat bodies that allow them to squeeze into the smallest cracks and crevices.
  • Repair cracks in your flooring & foundation
  • Install door sweeps
  • Pay special attention to where utilities enter
• Eliminate moisture: cockroaches need water to survive. Repair leaky faucets and pipes. It’s not uncommon for cockroaches to establish nests in drains.
• Don’t go it alone: work with a pest control company, like Interstate Pest Management. We know all about cockroach behaviors and habits and even better, we know how to eliminate even the most serious cockroach problems.

Rest easy in your home once again, by contacting Interstate Pest Management for quality cockroach treatment and prevention techniques. We provide safe, effective, and eco-friendly pest control to homeowners and businesses in the Portland OR and Vancouver WA area.