Nobody wants to find insects in their home or apartment, but everyone’s tolerance for creepy-crawlies is a little different. Ants, for example, might be a minor inconvenience, but cockroaches? They’re a whole different story. These nocturnal pests are known for triggering a visceral reaction, and for good reason. They spread bacteria, damage household materials, and can even worsen allergies or asthma.
Not only are people repulsed by the mere thought of cockroaches, but they often don’t realize they’re sharing a living space with them. These pests are experts at hiding in dark, damp areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, often going unnoticed until the infestation grows.
The good news? The sooner you spot the telltale signs of cockroaches, such as droppings that look like black pepper or coffee grounds, a musty odor, or shed skins, the better prepared you’ll be to address the problem before it turns into a full-blown infestation. In this guide, we highlight the key signs of roaches to watch for and share practical steps you can take to stop an infestation.
What are the Signs of a Cockroach Infestation?
If you suspect that these insects have made their way into your home, trust your instincts, as these pests are experts at staying hidden. You’ll want to find clear signs of them to confirm your nagging suspicion, but it’s always best to be proactive about pest control.
Keep an eye out for these common signs of a cockroach infestation:
- Cockroaches (dead or alive)
- Cockroach droppings that resemble black pepper or coffee grounds
- Clusters of shed skins or egg cases in “nest” areas
- A strong, musty smell or oily odor
- Chew marks on paper, cardboard, or food packaging
- Dark smear marks on walls, baseboards, or counters
These signs can look a bit different from one infestation to the next, depending on your climate, where the pests are hiding, and the species involved. To bring additional clarity to these concerns, we’ll dive into details about each of these signs below:
1. Seeing a Cockroach
Spotting even a single cockroach in your home is one of the clearest signs of an infestation. It might seem obvious, but the moment you see one, you can assume others are lurking around. Both live and dead cockroach sightings should alert you to the problem.
Cockroaches are sometimes mistaken for beetles, so oftentimes homeowners don’t even make the connection between a sighting and a full blown infestation simply because they don’t know what these pests actually look like. The key differences are cockroaches have longer antennae, thinner legs, and a flatter body shape. Beetles have smaller heads and are less likely to leave behind droppings and odors.
Different species of cockroaches have their own preferred environments and behaviors:
- German cockroaches: Typically light brown with stripes on the plate behind their head (known as the pronotum), these are among the most commonly found types in U.S. houses or apartments. They reproduce rapidly, thrive in warm, humid areas, and depend on moisture, so they tend to hang out in kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms
- American cockroaches: Spanning a full two inches, the American cockroach is the largest species found in the United States. Often referred to as palmetto bugs, this type resides in sewer systems and is, therefore, more likely to be found at the ground level of urban homes or apartments. They have reddish-brownish wings and can glide.
- Brown-banded cockroaches: As the smallest species of U.S. invasive cockroaches, this type is often mistaken for other insects. As their name implies, they have brown bands that cross their bodies.
2. Cockroach Droppings
Aside from spotting the insects themselves, cockroach droppings are one of the most reliable signs of an infestation. These small, dark specks often resemble black pepper or coffee grounds, depending on the species and diet. Larger cockroaches may leave behind tiny cylindrical pellets, while smaller ones leave fine, pepper-like dust.
You’ll often find roach droppings in areas where food and moisture are plentiful, like under sinks, behind refrigerators, inside kitchen cabinets, or near garbage bins.
It’s common for homeowners to mistake cockroach droppings for mouse feces. Mouse droppings look similar but are larger and shaped more like a grain of rice. Both types of droppings will become more prominent as you get closer to the nesting site of the intruder in question
Beyond being unsightly, cockroach droppings can also contribute to poor indoor air quality. The dried particles can trigger allergy or asthma symptoms, especially in children and sensitive individuals. For this reason, cleaning these areas thoroughly and addressing the source of the infestation is critical to effective pest control.
3. Nest Areas
Unlike rodents or birds, cockroaches don’t build traditional nests. They create spots where groups gather to rest, breed, and feed. These clusters often contain shed skins, droppings, and egg cases (oothecae) that signal a growing infestation. Nesting areas are often tucked behind refrigerators, furniture, or large appliances, or hidden in cracks, crevices, and basements.
Cockroach eggs vary a bit based on the species but are generally deep red or brown in color. Smooth and shiny, they are rarely larger than 10 mm. If these egg capsules appear to be split, the egg has already hatched. However, eggs that look plump are about to hatch, and when they do, they could produce several cockroaches.
How you proceed when you find a nest will depend on how large it is and how comfortable you are handling the situation on your own. At this point, however, you must intervene. If the infestation seems modest, you could potentially eradicate the issue on your own with help from the right deterrent product.
4. Odor
A musty or oily odor is another clear sign of cockroaches. The smell comes from a mix of droppings, pheromones, and decomposing roaches, and it grows stronger as the infestation worsens.
These pests rely on the power of scent to communicate with one another. The smells that they emit are detectable to humans, although the source of these odors is often not identified until other signs become obvious.
Typically, homes infested by cockroaches have a mildewy or musty smell. If the odor lingers after cleaning, the infestation may still be active and require professional pest control to fully remove the source.
5. Chew Marks
These pests will chew on almost any material that offers a potential food source. In homes, you might notice chew marks on food packaging, cardboard boxes, books, or paper goods, especially in pantries and storage areas.
While minor damage can go unnoticed, widespread chewing can signal a larger roach infestation. Cleaning up clutter, sealing food, and using botanical pest control products can help discourage further activity.
6. Smears on Surfaces
In areas with high humidity or moisture, cockroaches may leave behind dark smear marks on walls, baseboards, or countertops. These stains are caused by liquefied droppings and body oils, which create greasy streaks along the paths roaches travel most often.
The marks are this consistency due to heat and humidity. As such, these smear marks are more likely to show up during the summer or in hot climates. These might look a bit like rust or food stains, but they’ll likely be accompanied by the musty, unpleasant odor mentioned previously.
These pests contaminate food, utensils, and surfaces as they move through your home.
Found Signs of Cockroaches? Here’s What to Do Next
Based on the warning signs above, you’ve likely determined that you have a cockroach problem in your house. The sooner you take action, the easier it will be to control. Start with a few key steps that make your space less inviting to pests and help eliminate any remaining activity:
- Clean thoroughly: Wipe down counters, sweep up crumbs, and eliminate grease or moisture around sinks and stoves.
- Store food securely: Keep human and pet food in sealed glass or plastic containers to prevent easy access. Avoid leaving dirty dishes or open packaging overnight.
- Seal entry points: Inspect walls, cabinets, and plumbing areas for cracks or gaps where roaches might enter and repair as needed.
- Use botanical deterrents: Place Stay Away® Ants & Cockroaches near common hiding spots, such as under sinks, behind appliances, and in basements or bathrooms, to repel these pests safely using plant-derived essential oils.
- Monitor activity: Continue checking for droppings, egg cases, or unpleasant odors to confirm whether the infestation has been eliminated.
Ready to take the next step in your mission to rid your home of cockroaches? Shop EarthKind’s Stay Away® Ants & Cockroaches, a deterrent that relies on plant-derived essential oils. This is an excellent alternative to harmful chemicals and expensive exterminators. It’s easy to use and can be implemented in places you are unable to reach on your own.
Order online today, find it in a store near you, or contact us to learn more about EarthKind’s products.
