Signs of a cockroach infestation

Discovering a cockroach infestation requires immediate action to ensure a fast solution to the problem and to minimise the health risks associated with this insect.

Cockroaches are usually attracted to food available in your property. They will eat anything from foods, paper, packaging, plastics and fabrics to animal matter (eg. hamster and rabbit droppings).

It is often easier to spot signs of a problem in your home or business rather than an actual live cockroach. As nocturnal creatures, cockroaches usually hide out of sight during the day and become more active in their search for food at night.

Worried about cockroaches in your house? Call Rentokil today on 0800 736 856 for a fast, responsive service every day.

Signs of a cockroach problem

There are some simple ways you can identify a possible cockroach infestation, which could require professional treatment.

• Cockroach droppings - cockroaches leave a dust of black droppings less than 1mm wide and of varying lengths.

• Smear marks - check for marks on horizontal surfaces and at wall-floor junctions where cockroaches are active. If water is abundant cockroaches will produce brown and irregular shaped smear marks.

• Shed skin - look for this evidence in locations you suspect they are sheltering. Cockroaches shed ‘cast nymphal ‘skins 5-8 times as they mature to adults.

• Damage - look for unusual signs of damage, not just on food packaging. Cockroaches will attack organic goods including leather and books.

• Unusual odour - an established cockroach infestation produces a lingering and unpleasant musty smell that taints items they contact.

• Live cockroaches in your bathrooms and kitchens - German cockroaches need warmth and humidity and may be found around bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchen areas. They are also good climbers, scaling smooth surfaces like glass & polished metal with ease; due to sticky pads on their feet. You might see them when turning on the light in the kitchen at night.

Have you spotted cockroach eggs or droppings?

If you have noticed any of the signs above, you should contact Rentokil for professional treatments to get rid of cockroaches quickly. We use the latest technology and innovation to effectively keep cockroaches away.

Professional cockroach control can provide a long-term solution to your problem and prevent an infestation in the future.

Call Rentokil on 0800 736 856 for an effective and reliable solution to any cockroach infestation.