A pest infestation can make your home uncomfortable and unsanitary, and cockroaches can be particularly unpleasant. Since they feed on food residue, you’ll likely notice them in the kitchen and near garbage containers. Even if you don’t see them crawling around your home, call a roach control professional if you notice the following signs of an infestation.

How to Tell If Your House Has Cockroaches

1. Eggs

Roaches lay ovular eggs in capsule-like casings known as oothecae. Depending on the species, the casings may have eight to 18 segments.

They’re typically tan, brown, or black and less than one-half inch long with a ridge running vertically down the center. When you have an infestation, you’ll notice eggs in moist and warm areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms. 

2. Droppings

Droppings from small roaches look like black pepper specks, while those from larger insects usually resemble dark rice grains. These critters may transmit harmful bacteria and spread illnesses to humans through their feces.

The pellets often emit musty or oily odors. If you notice several droppings near food sources, you likely have an infestation. Make sure the problem is handled as soon as possible to avoid contamination. 

3. Skin

A roach sheds its skin up to eight times during the maturing process. These husks or shells are usually light brown and shaped like small cockroaches. If you notice many of them beneath furniture or in your cabinets, call a pest control expert to locate the insects.

When you need roach control, get in touch with Central Tennessee Termite & Pest Control. This pest control company offers solutions to rid homes and businesses in Cookeville, TN, of pesky insects and rodents. For the Herald-Citizen 2019 Reader's Choice Awards, they won First Place in Pest Control in the Upper Cumberland area. Call (931) 526-2033 to schedule a roach control appointment with these exterminators. Visit the website to learn more about how ventilation and moisture control can keep pests away from your property.