What to Do if You Spot Cockroaches in Your House

Seeing a cockroach run across the floor in your kitchen is enough to send shivers down anyone's spine. Unfortunately, spotting even one cockroach often means there are many more hiding out of sight. Cockroaches are resilient pests, and they're not only unsightly, but they're known to carry bacteria, contaminate food, and trigger allergies.

It's why many homeowners tend to professional pest control services at the first sign of an infestation. But beyond calling in the experts, there are some steps that you can take to immediately assess and address the problem.

1. Stay calm. Not every insect that moves quickly across your floor is a cockroach. It's important to confirm what you've seen because cockroaches typically have flat, Oval shaped bodies, long antennae and can range in colour from light brown to almost black. Take note of when and where you saw it as this can help to identify the scale of the problem.
2. Signs of an infestation. After you spot one, do a quick inspection to see if there are other signs. Droppings that resemble black pepper off coffee grounds, skins that are shed with the exoskeleton as they grow, egg casings, a musty oily smell and live or dead roaches in hidden and damp places are all signs that you may have an infestation.
3. Clean up right away. Cockroaches are attracted to food, moisture and clutter, so to reduce the appeal of your home, you need to give it a deep clean. Wiping down kitchen surfaces and sweeping up crumbs is the first step, but storing all food in sealed containers and emptying trash cans regularly can help. Fix those leaky faucets and remove any standing water, because that can attract roaches. Under the sink, in the pantry and behind appliances need to be decluttered and cleaned out. The cleaner your home, the harder it will be for cockroaches to find the resources they need to thrive.
4. Seal off the entry points. Roaches squeeze through even the tiniest cracks and gaps, so inspect your home's baseboards, windows, doors and plumbing. You can use caulk or weather stripping to seal any visible openings, but pay special attention to areas around pipes and vents where the pests can often enter.
5. Use traps or baits. For minor issues, setting traps or gel baits can help to catch and kill cockroaches. Place them in dark, warm places where roaches are likely to travel, like under the sink or behind appliances. Avoid using over the counter sprays too excessively as they can kill visible roaches but not address the nest.

Sightings should never be ignored, but with early intervention, thorough cleaning, and preventative steps, you'll be able to go a long way in keeping your home free of roaches. If signs of an infestation persist, contacting a professional is your best bet to eliminate the problem at its source. No one wants to live with roaches, but they're not always easy to get rid of, so make sure that you get the expert advice when you can.