If you live in the South, you undoubtedly know the euphemistic “Palmetto bug” phrase. Although it sounds like a virtually harmless name for a pest, there is nothing harmless about a roach, which is what a Palmetto bug is. They are very common in South Carolina, and even if you don’t see one directly, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t lurking in dark spaces and behind walls. If you see these telltale signs that you have a roach problem, it is time to call exterminators Charleston, SC experts to rid them from your home or office.
You Physically see a Roach
If you see a roach in your home or office, then don’t assume it is just one. Most likely, you will see them at night since they are nocturnal insects. When you turn on the light to get a better look, they will quickly scatter. If you spot one, don’t assume that is the only one. If they come out to move around, then your problem is probably a lot larger than you think. Roaches come out when things get overcrowded, and there isn’t enough food to go around. So spotting them is a clear sign that it is time to call in an expert.
Seeing Roach Feces
Roaches are creatures with a never-ending appetite. And because they eat everything from people food to their own feces, they leave a large trail of droppings behind. Depending on what type of infestation you have, the feces of a roach can be many different shapes, sizes, and colors. If you see a large number of droppings, then you can safely assume that an infestation of some kind is brewing. And it is critical to make a call to have things checked out. Because the feces might not always be out in the open, checking in dark places like behind the refrigerator, in the pantry, and other places where you store food, is a good idea.
Roach Eggs
Not only do roaches eat a lot, they reproduce a lot too. And when they lay eggs, they don’t just lay one singe one; they produce something called oothecae, which are brown casings that house many eggs together. When they don’t hatch, the oothecae are left behind to find. Roaches are largely resilient and often lay oothecae in places where pesticides have a hard time reaching. Typically the pouches have anywhere from 20 to 50 eggs contained inside. And since most DIY pest control methods are highly ineffective with roaches, calling to have someone remove an oothecae, and the parents who laid them, is an excellent choice.
Smelling Roaches
As an infestation grows, the roach nest will begin to smell musty. Also, as they die, they leave behind a pungent odor from the oleic acid that their bodies produce while they are decomposing. So if you notice an extra musty, damp smell somewhere in your house, it might just be a breeding ground for roaches.
Roaches are not only disgusting to look at, they carry an abundance of germs and diseases. So if you suspect that you have a roach problem because either you have seen one physically or the traces they left behind, you must call exterminators Charleston, SC experts to rid your home of them. At Low Country Pest Specialists, our mission is to make your home or office environment as healthy as can be by riding pests and insects. Contact us today for an evaluation.
