Cockroaches move fast and hide well. They adapt to almost any indoor space.
The warm climate in Fontana gives them plenty of comfort through much of the year, so an infestation can grow quickly. A sighting of one roach may point toward a bigger issue. Thus, it is important to understand the warning signs early to protect your home and health from these filthy pests. Pest control experts at Akela Pest Control can come right away if you need their help in handling an active infestation. Also, these experts can recommend measures to protect future infestations. Below are common signs of a roach infestation you must not ignore:
Frequent Sightings in Daylight
It is common to see a few roaches at night, but you may have a more serious issue if you see them during the day. Daylight sightings can point to the presence of a huge population, since most roaches stay hidden until after dark. When the group grows too large, they spill out of their shelter spots to search for new food and moisture sources.
A Strong, Musty Odor in the Air
The presence of a big roach population can introduce a distinct musty scent in a room. This odor grows stronger as the population grows. The smell comes from droppings, dead roaches, and the pheromones they release to signal other roaches. This scent lingers in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and any tight space with moisture.
Droppings on Surfaces and in Corners
Roach droppings resemble coffee grounds or black pepper, depending on the species. These tiny specks gather in corners, under sinks, behind appliances, inside drawers, and along baseboards. Large roaches leave larger droppings that look more like small pellets. Droppings build up quickly due to constant feeding activity. This debris also poses a health risk because it triggers allergies and asthma symptoms.
Egg Casings Near Hidden Areas
Roach egg casings hold dozens of eggs inside each shell. These casings can be found behind furniture, under sinks, inside pantries, or along cracks near walls. Once the eggs hatch, they leave behind a hollow shell. The population may have multiplied indoors if you see more than one or two egg casings. Some roach species carry these casings until they hatch, but others drop them near food or moisture.
Shed Skins Scattered Near Nest Sites
Roaches shed their skins several times as they grow. These thin, light brown shells can be found near hiding spots such as under appliances, behind cabinets, or around floor drains.
Chewed Packaging and Damaged Food Containers
Cockroaches can tear through thin cardboard, plastic wrappers, and paper packaging to reach food. They can contaminate everything they touch with bacteria from drains, garbage, and other unsanitary places. Any damaged food item should be thrown out immediately, since contamination happens fast.
Dirty Smears Along Walls and Surfaces
Roaches leave smudges and dark marks along the paths they use most. These smears come from moisture, droppings, and the oils on their bodies. You may notice these marks along baseboards, tile edges, cabinet frames, or gaps behind large appliances.
Noises Inside Walls or Cabinets at Night
Roaches stay quiet, but you may hear faint tapping, skittering, or soft movement sounds inside walls or hollow furniture if you are dealing with a serious infestation. Though many pests can create noise inside walls, roach activity sounds lighter and more sporadic.
Fleeing Roaches
The roach problem may be more severe than you thought if roaches scatter when you open a drawer, move a box, or shift something under your sink. Constant activity in hidden areas shows they feel comfortable enough to settle in dark, tight spaces. Large groups can take over spots like under kitchen sinks, inside utility rooms, or behind refrigerators.