While they may seem a mere nuisance at first, cockroaches pose more of a threat than you’d think, as they trigger allergy and asthma symptoms and can transmit disease. For homeowners across California, keeping these creepy pests out of their homes and businesses is essential to keeping a clean home.

The best place to start with cockroach pest control is to know when you have a problem and how to identify these pesky creatures. Allow our Dewey Pest and Termite Control team to show you how to identify a cockroach and determine if you have a problem in your home.

What Does a Cockroach Look Like?

Although the different species of cockroaches found throughout California will slightly differ in appearance, there are some overarching details that all roaches share. These general characteristics will be helpful when you suspect a potential problem and want to confirm your suspicions. Here are some basic characteristics of cockroaches to help you get started in roach identification:

• Cockroach bodies are typically long and oval-shaped with antennas.
• Cockroaches can range anywhere from half an inch to two inches in size.
• The vast majority of cockroaches have six legs.
• The colors of a cockroach’s body can range from tan and light brown to dark brown or black.

German vs. American Cockroach Differences

Among the most common cockroaches that homeowners come across in California are German and American cockroaches.

German cockroaches are smaller at around half an inch and have tan or light brown bodies. They usually have two dark brown stripes running down their backs just behind the head. These roaches tend to stay indoors and reproduce, with females laying approximately 40 eggs that hatch in about a month.

American cockroaches are larger at around one and a half inches. Their protective shell is light brown, and they have reddish-brown bodies. These roaches are more adaptable than German cockroaches as they also like decaying organic matter. For reproduction, they usually hatch from their eggs at 50 to 55 days.

Can Cockroaches Fly?

Several cockroach species have wings, but only some use them for flight or gliding. For example, the American cockroach rarely uses its wings for flight but does have the ability to fly short distances.

What Are Some Common Signs of Cockroaches?

After learning what different cockroaches look like and how they act, it’s time to use your inspection skills and thoroughly check throughout your property for any infestation signs. Cockroaches usually enter your home when it’s colder outside, such as in the winter.

Cockroaches are easier to detect if you know what signs to look for. Let us share five of the most common cockroach signs to watch for in your California home or business.

1. Live Cockroaches

The most telltale sign of a roach infestation is simply seeing one in the open. They often come out at night and prefer dark and moist areas away from human activity. Since they are frequently most active when humans snooze away in bed, spotting a roach in the open is difficult unless your infestation is extensive.

2. Cockroach Egg Cases

The best way to detect a problem with roaches is through what they leave behind. One common cockroach infestation sign is the presence of discarded egg cases. As roaches reproduce, they leave their eggs in oval-shaped capsules that are usually less than two inches long.

These cases usually hold between 13 to 40 eggs each and differ in hatch rate based on the roach species. If you notice these cases in your home, don’t hesitate to clean up and dispose of them as soon as possible and contact a professional pest control service.

3. Cockroach Droppings

While the idea of looking for cockroach poop is unsettling, it’s also an essential way to identify a roach infestation. These specks often look like black pepper. They are usually found in areas where roaches tend to live, such as kitchens and basements.

4. Cockroaches’ Shed Skins and Body Parts

Another key sign of a cockroach infestation is through the shed skins and body parts they leave behind. As part of their life cycle, they will shed their exoskeletons and other body parts to continue growing. These shed skins and body parts are also among the main factors that trigger allergic and asthma reactions.

5. Foul Odors

How To Prevent a Cockroach Infestation

Want to find ways to get rid of or prevent a roach invasion from occurring? Here are several practical tips to help fortify your home or business against cockroaches:

• Seal entry points
• Maintain a clean home
• Focus on your kitchen
• Properly store food
• Limit excess moisture

Professional Cockroach Pest Control

Although preventive measures should be taken, these DIY methods are not a replacement for the effectiveness and efficiency of professional cockroach control. The best team of pest control technicians will thoroughly inspect your property for any signs of a roach problem. They will then develop a specially tailored treatment plan to yield the best results in removing cockroaches and other pests.

Get Cockroach Control in California With Dewey Pest and Termite Control Today

Keeping your home and business clear of cockroaches is made easier with the help of Dewey Pest and Termite Control. Since 1929, we’ve been serving communities across California with premier cockroach removal and prevention for problems big and small. Ready to get started? Contact our team online or call us today for your free California cockroach control quote!