Cockroaches
Signs You Have an Infestation
Droppings:
Roaches can leave behind small, dark specks resembling coffee grounds in areas like your kitchen or bathroom. These droppings are often one of the first signs of cockroaches lurking nearby.
Musty Smell:
Cockroaches release a strong, unpleasant odor that seems to grow stronger over time. If you catch this smell, it’s a clear indication that cockroaches have made themselves at home and are likely multiplying.
Egg Cases:
These eggs are brown, oval-shaped capsules that roaches lay behind appliances or in hidden corners. Finding these egg cases is a serious red flag, showing that cockroaches are actively breeding in your space.
Shed Skins:
Spotting light brown skins in hidden areas means the cockroaches are thriving and growing inside your home.
Grease Streaks:
Smears or streaks on surfaces or walls are a sign that cockroaches are actively searching for food. These streaks are left behind as they scuttle around your home.
Everything You Need to Know About Cockroaches
- German Cockroach (Blattella germanica) Small but mighty, the German cockroach is the most common culprit for roach infestations in Ohio. Ranging from 1/2 to 5/8 inch long, these sneaky pests are light brown with two dark stripes running down their backs. They’re most at home in kitchens and bathrooms, where food and moisture are easy to find. With fast reproduction and serious resistance to storebought treatments, German cockroaches can overrun your space in no time.
- American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana) If you spot a cockroach that’s almost 2 inches long, it’s probably an American cockroach. These reddish-brown giants are often found in basements or sewers, but they’ll creep into homes looking for food and water. While they prefer cooler, damp environments, they’re tough to eliminate, and their large size makes them a real sight for sore eyes.
- Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis) At around 1 to 1 1/4 inches, Oriental cockroaches are slightly smaller but just as troublesome. Their dark, shiny appearance makes them easy to spot, and they love cool, damp areas like basements or crawl spaces. These guys are more likely to infest homes in the colder months, but once they’re in, they’ll stick around if you don’t act fast.
- Brown-Banded Cockroach (Supella longipalpis) These little guys are often overlooked but don’t be fooled by their size. The brown-banded cockroach is only about 1/2 inch long and has two light-colored bands across its wings. They prefer warmer, drier areas like closets or the upper floors of your home. Small but persistent, these cockroaches are tricky to spot.
- Smoky Brown Cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa) While rare in Ohio, the smoky brown cockroach deserves a mention. With a dark, almost black appearance and a size of up to 1 1/2 inches, they’re a sight you don’t want to see. These outdoor pests are attracted to lights and often invade attics, garages, or basements. Though not as common, they’re still a threat that you’ll want to tackle before they settle in.
