Seeing One Cockroach Means There Are More: Truth or Myth?

Many believe that if you see one cockroach inside of your home, it indicates a potential underlying infestation, but this is not always the case. The reason being is that some cockroaches actually find their way into a structure by hitchhiking on clothing, in fruits and on vegetables, and other such products. While considered to be “dirty insects”, one does not have to be “dirty” or have bad home hygiene levels to observe cockroaches in that space. So, in short, if you see one cockroach in the home, there may be more, but it depends. Continue reading to learn more about this topic.

One Does Not Always Indicate More

Seeing one cockroach does not always indicate that there is an infestation nearby; however, these insects are highly social and are nocturnal, which means that they are able to hide well. Just seeing one usually indicates that a population is, in fact, present; however, it could also indicate that it could be a lone or lost insect or an insect that has hitchhiked inside of the residence.

The Common Types of Cockroaches

In terms of the American home and those in the State of Indiana, there are two common types of cockroaches. The following outlines these types:

1. American Cockroaches – These are usually on the large side and are red to red brown in color. It is possible for one to be present without an established infestation. This type is known for wandering in from the outdoors.
2. German Cockroaches – These are small and are typically light to dark brown in color. If you see one, it is possible that there is a nearby infestation. However, it is possible for these insects to wander into a structure on their own, through hitchhiking from items purchased from the store – such as fruits and vegetables and/or by catching a ride in on the clothing of someone that lives inside of the home.

What to Look for to Determine the Presence of an Infestation

There are many warning signs that may indicate the presence of a roach infestation. The following outlines these signs:

1. Musty Odors – You may notice an odor that is musty in nature. It may be unpleasant and oily, in nature.
2. Egg Cases – There may be egg cases that the cockroaches leave behind. These are small, bean-shaped types of covers that often indicate the presence of an infestation.
3. Shed Skin – As certain cockroaches – such as the German ones – grow, they shed their skin. If you see empty skin shells, it is likely that this indicates that the cockroaches within the home are growing and developing.
4. Cockroach Feces – If you observe tiny dots that are brown in color and look like bits of pepper, this is more than likely cockroach feces. You will find this type of waste – which is referred to as “peppering” in corners inside of cabinet spaces, in cracks and crevices, and near appliances.
5. Seeing Bugs – The next and most obvious sign of a cockroach infestation is actually seeing the bugs themselves. If you see a roach during daylight hours when they usually are not active, it could indicate that there is an infestation present. If there is a large population present, you may see numerous bugs during the nighttime hours.

Will Having Cockroaches Make You Sick?

Yes, living with a cockroach infestation has the potential to make you sick. The waste emitted from the bugs can contain an assortment of allergens. Many people develop an allergic reaction to cockroaches if they are around them for an extended amount of time. These insects could contain harmful levels of bacteria like E. Coli – which has the potential to cause illnesses that are food-borne. Many may have waste that becomes airborne and causes asthma symptoms.

What Do Cockroaches Need to Survive?

It is a known fact that cockroaches have the ability to live in any space where people live. They simply require water, food, shelter, and warmth in order to survive. They are scavengers and will eat anything they are able to find in order to live. They have been known to eat toothpaste, scraps of food, glue, pet food, and other products. The insects are known to hide in spaces that are confined and warm. Ironically, the cockroach has the capability of living without their head for up to a week and they are able to withstand 15 times the radiation that a human is able to live through.

How to Prevent an Infestation

If you have seen just one cockroach in your home, it is important that you work to ensure that you take all actionable steps that will help in preventing infestation. The following outlines excellent tips on succeeding in this endeavor:

1. You should start by making sure that all food in your home is stored and sealed in airtight containers. Do not leave any food out in the open. If you make food sources inaccessible, you will find that roaches are not attracted to your home.
2. Just like food, you should remove any sources of moisture such as water or humidity. While these insects are capable of living several months without access to food, they are only able to live a week without water.
3. If there are points that may be used as entry points in your home, you need to seal those points up. This will help to ensure that the insects are unable to gain access to your home. Examples include those areas where pipes enter into the home, vents, and even screens that are on windows.
4. You should eliminate any clutter in and/or around the home in order to minimize hiding spaces for insects.
5. Ensure that each room in your home – especially the kitchen and the bathrooms – are kept as clean and as dry as possible. You should take out the trash on a regular basis, wash the dishes, and clean up anything that has spilled. You should also vacuum up and sweep and mop on a regular basis. If cockroaches find any type of waste and/or mess, they could – potentially – live longer and attract other pests into the home.
6. When you bring items into your home, you should check them thoroughly to make sure that there are no hitchhiking insects on them. This includes grocery bags, boxes, secondhand items, and other purchases. You should wash work clothes in hot water in order to kill any insects that may have latched on to them.

If One Cockroach is Seen, Are There Others?

In most instances, if one cockroach is seen, it is a strong indicator that there are more hiding in a nearby location. These bugs are nocturnal, and they have the ability to breed in a rapid manner. If you see one large roach, it is likely just wander around. If you see many small roaches, it is likely an infestation. You should follow the steps outlined below to take control of the situation:

1. Set Traps – You should place glue traps along the baseboards where you saw the roach in order to see if there is any more activity in or around the area.
2. Clean up – You should then deep clean the home, and make sure that any moisture is eliminated.
3. Seal up – If you have cracks and other entry points in and around the home, you should make sure that all of these areas are sealed up so that cockroaches are unable to gain entry into your home with them.
4. Monitor – Finally, you should monitor the situation and see if you observe any more activity associated with cockroaches. If you do, your next step should be to contact a professional pest control agency to assist you with the issue.

All Pest

If you feel as if you have any issue with cockroaches, you should contact us here at All Pest today. We are trained, licensed, and insured to handle all of your pest control needs. Not only can we confirm whether or not you have an infestation, but we can tell you what we feel caused the infestation, outline all the steps necessary to get rid of the infestation, and give you information on how to prevent the infestation from coming back.

You should never panic when you see a cockroach, but you should take this as a warning and take the necessary steps to prevent the infestation from becoming larger. We also offer pre-inspections and home inspections. If you are ready to ensure that your home is free of insects, we can help guarantee that. When you contact us, be sure to ask us about all of the ways we can keep your home pest-free. We offer a full range of exterminating services, and we are full-service experts. We offer services in and around the Richmond, Indiana area. For more information or to set up your appointment, contact us today by calling the following number: 765-965-2171.