How to detect a cockroach infestation

If you see cockroaches in broad daylight, you almost certainly have an infestation.

A flashlight is an essential tool to detect hidden cockroaches. Light will stimulate them to move so that you can assess the extent of the infestation. Shine the beam under the refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher, sinks, inside kitchen cabinets, as well inside the pantry and in cracks and basement corners. You might also see black droppings on walls, in the pantry or cupboards, or pockets of eggs or moulting shells. Finally, your sense of smell may point to the presence of cockroaches, as they leave an unpleasant smell in their path.

How they get into your home:
Cockroaches and shells containing their eggs can enter your home or building at the same time as food, packages, empty beer and soft drink bottles or shipping crates, used furniture and household appliances. Check your grocery bags and any cardboard boxes you carry inside: cockroaches could be hiding in them!

Cockroaches can also come from one of your neighbours’ homes. Once they gain entry to a building, cockroaches use vents, heaters and pipes, an elevator shaft, false ceilings to move from one place to another. Active mostly at night, they can go unnoticed for some time.

If you detect a cockroach infestation, it’s best to call an exterminator or your landlord as soon as possible so that they can take care of the problem. In multi-unit buildings, the owner and all residents must be informed and work together to ensure the effectiveness of any cockroach eradication program.