Cockroaches are more than just an unwelcome sight — they’re a genuine health risk and a sign of conditions that need to be addressed. Spotting signs early is key, and professional pest control is the most effective path to resolution.
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
- Droppings: Small, dark, oval-shaped droppings resembling coffee grounds or black pepper. Often found behind appliances or under sinks.
- Odor: A musty or oily smell in kitchen or bathroom areas. Cockroaches secrete an oily substance that produces a distinctive strong odor.
- Egg cases (oothecae): Dark brown or black, about the size of a grain of rice. Typically found in cracks, corners, or storage boxes.
- Molts: As cockroaches grow, they shed their skins. Thin, brown exoskeletons in cracks or corners indicate active activity.
- Daytime sightings: Spotting a cockroach during daylight hours often indicates a large population — cockroaches are normally nocturnal.
The German Cockroach Problem
The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is the most common and most difficult cockroach species in Bay Area homes and multi-unit housing. They reproduce rapidly — a single female can produce hundreds of offspring in her lifetime — and they develop resistance to pesticides quickly. Over-the-counter sprays are largely ineffective and can actually worsen infestations by dispersing cockroaches to new areas.
What Professional Treatment Looks Like
Effective professional cockroach treatment combines targeted gel bait application in harborage areas (where cockroaches live and breed, not just where they forage), sanitation recommendations, and follow-up to verify elimination. ATCO’s cockroach control program follows this approach. Contact us if you’re seeing any of the signs listed above.