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When looking for the obvious signs it's important to know where cockroaches tend to hide so that you're searching in the most common areas that roaches like to live inside your home.

Hand holding cockroach

Where Do Cockroaches Hide?

Cockroaches are nocturnal insects. They prefer to live and feed in dark areas whether indoors or outdoors, so a cockroach seen scurrying about during the day is a possible sign of a large number of them and a severe infestation. Cockroaches tend to prefer dark, moist places to hide and breed and are commonly found behind refrigerators, sinks and stoves, as well as under floor drains and even inside of motors and major appliances. Because they can flatten their bodies to fit into narrow areas, cockroaches may also be found hiding beneath rubber mats, behind wallpaper and within wall cracks.

When performing your search for these pests be sure you have a flashlight to peek under and around all the dark nooks and crannies in your home. Look under all appliances and if you can do so safely, pull them out from the wall to look underneath. Move the items out of your cupboards and pantry to look for signs that roaches may be feasting on your snacks you store there.

If you have a basement or crawl space, be sure to check these areas as well. They provide the perfect hiding spaces for pests, and are desirable homes for pests because they’re low traffic areas. Pull up any rugs that can be removed and search around and under cardboard boxes and any items stored on the floor.

Some signs to look for include:

  • Cockroach Droppings - Cockroach feces will be visible during an infestation. Small roaches produce feces that resemble coffee grounds or black pepper, while larger roaches expel cylindrical droppings. The quantity of visible feces is oftentimes a good indicator of the level or duration of infestation.
  • Unpleasant Odors - Some species emit unpleasant smells. In the event of serious infestation, a strong oily or musty odor may be present. The bodies of dead cockroaches can also be seen throughout the house.
  • Cockroach Eggs - Oval-shaped egg cases, known as ootheca, are sometimes visible behind furniture and in other hidden locations, such as the spaces between books or under appliances.

Since roaches can live outdoors year-round and find their way into your home during any season, it’s advisable to make a semi-annual roach inspection part of your seasonal cleaning routine. Cleaning out the areas where food crumbs drop and remain unseen will go a long way to prevent roaches and other pests. 

If you see any signs of roaches or other pests, and need assistance in eliminating an infestation contact your trusted local pest experts at Spence’s Pest Control. Our experts know where to look and what course of action is required to successfully control any pests.

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