Signs of cockroach infestation in an apartment

In an apartment building, cockroaches travel through shared walls, vents, pipes and even moving boxes brought home. They can go unnoticed for weeks before the population becomes visible. Detecting early prevents a heavy infestation.

Sign 1: pepper-grain droppings

Cockroaches leave tiny black droppings — about ground pepper size — especially along baseboards, under sinks, behind appliances and at drawer backs. If you find black grains without nearby pepper, it's a strong signal.

Sign 2: the oily odor

Cockroaches secrete pheromones that produce an oily, slightly musky smell. If a closed area (closet, under sink) smells strangely, suspect them. The odor intensifies with population size.

Sign 3: egg cases (oothecae)

Cockroach eggs are contained in dark brown bean-shaped capsules, about 6-8 mm long. Often stuck under shelves, in cracks, or in corners of seldom-used drawers.

Sign 4: cockroaches seen during the day

Cockroaches are nocturnal. Seeing one during the day — especially in a lit room — almost always signals a heavy infestation. Population has exceeded available nighttime hiding spots and some individuals come out at wrong hours.

Why call at first signs

One female German cockroach can produce 30,000 descendants in a year. The longer you wait, the more visits elimination requires and the higher the risk of spread to neighbors. Fast intervention at 50-100 individuals costs half as much as at 5,000.