Is One Roach a Sign of Infestation?

If you see one cockroach, there are probably much more hiding nearby. That’s because cockroaches are masters of hide-and-seek. They quietly enter the home through the plumbing or the cracks in the wall, then, within no time at all, their numbers increase exponentially. These pests are notoriously difficult to eliminate and require the help of professional services as they can populate very fast and can see baby cockroaches running around your kitchen. When the infestation gets out of control can start seeing empty cockroach eggs. But what do cockroach eggs look like? Cockroach egg cases are dark brown in colour and average 8mm in length.

Cockroaches are omnivorous scavengers that like to live in people’s kitchens and bathrooms. These are the most popular parts of the house because of their potential for hiding spots and their easy access to food and water. Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures, so it is natural for them to prefer the dark. In Canada, the most common species of cockroach is the German cockroach. This species has a beetle-like body and measures up to 16mm in length. German cockroaches reproduce very quickly; a female can give birth to as many as 300 baby cockroaches in her lifetime (which isn’t very long – cockroaches only live for 200 days!). This is why spotting one cockroach is reason for concern. 

So, seeing a lone cockroach usually signals the presence of several others. Whatever attracted the roach into your home probably attracted others at the same time. Cockroaches live in groups that reproduce rapidly. They like to settle as colonies in environments they deem safe and satisfactory. If you’ve just spotted one, however, there may not be many yet. The earlier the detection, the better. Eradicating the cockroach population before it explodes is ideal. If you recognized a cockroach somewhere in your home and need help, feel free to contact Cockroach Control Toronto for help.

If you spotted one roach, try looking for other signs to get an idea of how far the infestation has gone. Perform a thorough inspection behind appliances, under cabinets, and inside cabinets. Look for droppings, shed skins, and ootheca. Ootheca are small, brown, rectangular casings that contain as many as 50 cockroach eggs. Droppings are tiny black or brown specks. Look in all the nooks and crannies of your kitchen and bathroom – in, under, behind, and around the cabinets, sinks, and appliances. See if you smell an unusual, musty odour. 

Cockroach removal requires professional intervention. Keeping the home clean and tidy is always good, but it is never enough to get rid of cockroaches. Store-bought pesticides aren’t enough either as cockroaches are so good at hiding from you and they’re constantly evolving to resist them. A professional pest removal technician will have access to the tools and products necessary to eradicate a cockroach infestation. If you spotted a cockroach in your home, it is recommended that you request pest removal services like those at The Exterminators Inc. We use a combination of treatment to draw the pests out of their hiding places, eliminate them, and prevent their reoccurrence. Contact Toronto pest control today for a free quote.