Cockroach Identification & Prevention

• Live Cockroaches: Seeing live cockroaches, especially during the daytime (as they are nocturnal), is a clear sign of an infestation.
• Droppings: Cockroach droppings look like small, dark, and cylindrical pellets resembling coffee grounds or black pepper. You may find these in areas where cockroaches are active.
• Egg Cases (Oothecae): Cockroach egg cases are often brown or tan and may be found in hidden, sheltered areas like behind furniture or appliances.
• Musty Odor: A strong, musty odor may be present in areas where cockroaches are active. The odor is often described as oily or musky.
• Shed Skin: Cockroaches shed their exoskeletons as they grow. Finding these cast-off skins, especially in kitchen or bathroom areas, is a sign of their presence.
• Smear Marks: Cockroaches produce dark smear marks on surfaces as they navigate through tight spaces. These marks result from the oils and dirt on their bodies.
• Noise: In some cases, you might hear rustling or hissing sounds, especially at night, when cockroaches are most active.
• Irregular Smear Marks on Vertical Surfaces: Cockroaches often leave smear marks on vertical surfaces, such as walls, as they navigate. These marks may indicate their movement patterns.
• Damage to Paper and Fabric: Cockroaches may feed on paper, cardboard, and fabric. Check books, cardboard boxes, and curtains for signs of damage.
• Unusual Pet Behavior: Dogs and cats may exhibit unusual behavior, such as excessive sniffing or pawing at certain areas, indicating the presence of cockroaches.
• Presence of Nymphs: Baby cockroaches, called nymphs, are smaller versions of adults and may be present in areas with a significant infestation.
• Nighttime Activity: Cockroaches are primarily nocturnal, so if you see them during the day, it may indicate a severe infestation or a shortage of hiding places.

If you notice any of these signs, it's essential to take prompt action to address the infestation. This may involve cleaning and sealing potential entry points, using traps or baits, and, in severe cases, seeking professional pest control services.

Why Do I Have a Cockroach Problem?

German cockroaches often move from place to place with the help of people. They primarily live indoors and we unintentionally transport them into new spaces in boxes, bags, and secondhand items like furniture and electronics.

Oriental cockroaches are drawn to places that offer them a source of water. Their high moisture needs mean they tend to gather around drains, sewers, piles of garbage, and wet, damp areas in gardens. They often move inside our homes after being attracted by either food odors or sources of moisture.

Where Will I Find Cockroaches?

Cockroaches like to hide in dark, damp spaces, and when it comes to cockroaches the smaller the space the better!

In our homes, kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, and laundry rooms provide cockroaches with suitable living conditions. 

Some of their favorite hiding spots include:

• The backs of drawers or cabinets
• Behind cabinets and large appliances
• Within areas of clutter
• Upholstered furniture
• Cracks in walls or floors
• Behind wooden trim or baseboards

How Do I Get Rid of Cockroaches?

Don’t try to tackle a cockroach infestation on your own. Trust the professionals at Mountain West Pest Control to rid your Ogden home of cockroaches. We are dedicated to using kid and pet safe products, and our services always come with a full warranty/guarantee. If cockroaches return between service visits, we will return to retreat at no charge to you.

Have the peace of mind to know that your cockroach problems will be completely solved when you partner with us. We pride ourselves on offering effective premium cockroach control services backed by our top-notch customer service. To learn more about getting rid of cockroaches through our residential or commercial pest control offering, please give us a call today!

How Can I Prevent Cockroaches in the Future?

• Seal any gaps or cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home or business
• Make sure that weather stripping is placed around all exterior windows and doors
• Install door sweeps on all your exterior doors
• Replace any ripped or torn door or window screens
• Fix leaky pipes, fixtures, and drains to help prevent moisture build-up
• Use dehumidifiers to reduce the humidity levels in your home
• Ensure that all your outdoor trash cans are sealed with locking lids
• Keep all the food in your home or business inside airtight containers or in the refrigerator
• Inspect packages, boxes, appliances, and furniture items for cockroaches before bringing them inside