Is Just a Single Cockroach a Sign of Infestation?

Here’s a pretty common scenario: you wander into the kitchen late one night for a glass of water. You flip the light switch, and what’s sitting on your kitchen counter? A dirty cockroach. Of course, now that the light is on that roach will scurry away, back into hiding. But now you know there’s at least one cockroach around. Does that mean there are also several more, just out of sight?

• More than likely

A single cockroach isn’t going to achieve much in this world, and will probably end up dead. So chances are that cockroach is a scout in search of food. The nest can’t be far off. And if cockroaches are appearing inside the home, then that nest might be inside the building as well.

• Where is it?

That’s the tricky part. Without inspecting the home, it can be hard to find the source. Cockroaches are survivalists and will make do with what they can get. That nest could be inside the walls, in a basement or attic, or even outside.

• Why does the nest matter?

It must be destroyed. To get rid of your cockroach infestation, we have to eliminate the nest.

• What other signs should I watch out for?

Look for deceased roach carcasses or even body parts strewn throughout the home. Often, roaches just keel over wherever they’re at. A serious infestation also has an oily smell that pest control experts find unmistakable.

• What happens if I ignore the infestation?

Well, it’s only going to get worse. You’ll have to protect all the food in the home, either by storing it in the fridge or sealing it in airtight containers. Otherwise, the roaches will get to it. Additionally, as they search for food, you might start to notice more and more roaches inside the living areas of the home. And we haven’t even discussed all of the potential health hazards of a cockroach infestation.

• OK, OK, I think I’ve heard enough. What should I do?

The easiest and fastest solution is to contact a professional pest control company. Cockroach infestations are common, which means we know exactly how to exterminate them. You’ll be roach-free in no time.