How To Spot Early Signs Of Roaches In Your Denver Home

American cockroaches near a plate of food
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Cockroaches are practically dinosaurs. Estimated to be over 100 million years old by many, these pests have been around the block a time or two when it comes to survival. What that means for your Denver household is that if you have a cockroach infestation, they won’t be dealt with easily. Not only are they resilient, but they are also dangerous and fast-moving so that they can bring bacteria and viruses to every corner of your house in no time at all.

Early detection is a must to prevent a cockroach infestation from taking over. Keeping an eye out for their signs can save you money and stress when it comes to eliminating these Jurassic period dinosaur pests.

What Kind Of Cockroaches Are There In Denver?

There are a couple of cockroaches that are common in the Denver area. With some slight variations per species, it’s helpful to learn some of their distinctive characteristics to know what you’re dealing with.

Oriental Cockroach:

  • Up to 1 inch in length
  • Shiny black color
  • Oval shaped
  • Females - long wing pads, no wings
  • Males - wing size ¾ the length of their bodies
  • Cannot fly
  • Prefer cool, damp places like basements and crawl spaces
  • Enter households under doors, along utility pipes, and through drains
  • Gather around water sources
  • Prefer decaying organic matter for food

German cockroaches are pretty easy to distinguish from oriental roaches and prefer different areas of the home from oriental roaches. 

German Cockroach:

  • Up to ⅝ of an inch long
  • Light brown with two dark stripes down the back
  • Oval shaped
  • Can fly, but prefer to run
  • Prefer warm and humid places like kitchens and bathrooms
  • Hitch rides indoors on grocery bags, cardboard boxes, and second-hand appliances like refrigerators.
  • Eat anything, including glue and soap

Both cockroach species are dangerous home invaders that can bring dozens of pathogens indoors. Keeping a handle on these pests is vitally important for the health of your household members. 

Signs of an Infestation

Because cockroaches are such filthy animals, it’s somewhat easy to tell when you’ve got a problem. There are a few signs to look out for when you fear an infestation.

  • Droppings that look like pepper on surfaces like countertops
  • Fecal staining that looks like dark smears, usually around the corners of the room, on top of door frames, or around cracks and openings
  • A musty odor 
  • Red-colored egg cases between 8 and 10 millimeters
  • Roach sightings

More than simply being a nuisance, cockroaches are dangerous. They are known to carry E. coli, salmonella, parasitic worms, and other diseases. They are also a threat to people with asthma. When you suspect an infestation, you need to move fast to get a professional involved.

White Knight Is Your Denver Pest Control Relief

With over 40,000 satisfied customers, it’s clear that White Knight Pest Control is the best residential pest solution in Denver. To guarantee pests like these are dealt with and kept out of your home, we offer a 15-point protection service that sweeps through every corner of your house and property to prevent future pest problems. If your pests return before our next scheduled visit, we will too, within two days of your call. Trust White Knight Pest Control to deliver your home from dangerous pests. Call or visit us online for a free estimate today.