Cockroaches are some of the most resilient pests on earth. Once you spot one in your home, it is likely that there are more—and in numbers too terrifying to imagine. The problem with cockroaches is that they are nocturnal, thriving in dark and damp spaces. That makes it difficult to eliminate these pests entirely on your own. You may kill one or two that you find scurrying at night, but this does not solve the root problem.

As such, our pest control specialists have created this guide to finding and destroying cockroach nests. After all, it is important to eliminate the risk of infestation before it becomes a bigger problem.

What do I need to know about cockroaches?

Cockroaches are insects that are able to flatten their bodies to the point that they can crawl in the space between a wallpaper and a wall. Not only that, but they produce a scent that attracts other cockroaches, who have no problem sharing a highly cramped space. They carry all manner of diseases and pathogens. Should they find their way to your food, you and your family might get sick.

What’s worse is the rate at which these pests breed. A single female will breed 20 to 30 times in her lifetime—producing over 750 babies.

How do I find the nest?

Some signs that there is a nest nearby include roach droppings and corpses. Empty eggshells are often found near these nests as well. There is also that distinct cockroach smell.

Cockroaches love humid spaces and stay close to food sources. They will try to find a secluded spot in your kitchen, perhaps under your sink or even under your fridge. They may also gather behind the dishwasher. As a good rule of thumb, it is always best to assume that they’ve gathered near your big kitchen appliances.

You may not think they can do much damage, but cockroaches can chew their way through the packaging of goods in your pantry. Our pest control specialists have even found them under dishes and pots that haven’t been used in a while.

Unfortunately, human food is not all that a cockroach considers edible. Sewage and waste are just as palatable to these insects as the things in your fridge. They might find their way into the crevices of your bathroom as well. This is an even better place for them, as it provides them with a good source of water and food.

How do I get rid of it?

Once you’ve found the nest, it is important to destroy it. Use insect killers if you must; just make sure that your pets are nowhere near the area. The nest must then be cleaned and disinfected entirely. Cockroaches tend to leave pheromones that attract other members of their species. This smell must be eliminated entirely.

After that, work on sealing all the crevices and openings you can find. This means cracks in the walls, floor, and ceiling. Leaking pipes should also be fixed as well.

Final thoughts

Cockroaches are horribly hardy creatures, capable of breeding at alarming rates. The beauty of this is that it is not impossible to deal with them. It is all about keeping the little dark spots around your home clean and free of moisture.

If the problem does persist, it might be time to call a professional pest control company. We at Clean and Green Pest, for example, can help you find and eliminate infestations of all kinds.