Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

What Do Cockroach Droppings Look Like?

How to Identify Roach Droppings

Magnified Image of a Cockroach

Cockroach Droppings Appearance

Cockroach feces are easy to identify. Droppings from small cockroaches resemble ground coffee or black pepper. Larger roaches leave behind dark, cylindrical droppings with blunt ends and ridges down the side.

Rodent Feces vs. Roach Droppings

With a closer look, homeowners can tell the difference between rodent and cockroach feces. Mouse and rat droppings have pointed ends, while cockroach poop does not.

Cockroach Feces in Homes

Cockroaches are omnivores, and the pests are not fussy about where they get their meals. Garbage, sewage, carrion, and crumbs are all fair game. As a result, their digestive systems retain disease pathogens from anything they’ve eaten. These microbes then leave the pests’ bodies within cockroach poop.

Like most insects, cockroaches don’t concern themselves with bathroom hygiene. The pests defecate in or near whatever they eat. When cockroach droppings pollute pantries, kitchen surfaces, or poorly sealed food containers, all the bacteria the insect has consumed may be spread to people.

Cockroach Allergy

In addition to cockroach feces, the pests’ body parts, saliva, and cast off skins can trigger allergies as well as asthma attacks. A few symptoms of cockroach allergies include congestion, coughing, and itchy throat. Symptoms often worsen when fans or HVAC ducts cause this debris to become airborne.

What Do I Do if I Find Roach Droppings?

If you find cockroach droppings in your house, vacuuming and cleaning affected areas with soap and warm water helps prevent disease and may reduce allergic reactions. However, cleanup without proper protective gear can also lead to infection.

Contact local Orkin Pros to deal with cockroach infestations in a safe, effective manner.

More Information

Signs of Cockroach Infestation

Do Cockroaches Bite?

Cockroach Infestation in Your Apartment

Resources

Protect Your Home from Cockroaches

How do I get roaches out of my car?

Q

How do I get roaches out of my car?

Cockroach Species, Genus & Taxonomy

Do Cockroach Bombs Work? | Cockroach Fogger Facts

What are Cockroaches' Natural Predators?

How to Distinguish Cockroaches vs. Other Pests

Cockroaches Exterminator - How To Identify & Get Rid Of Cockroaches

Cockroach illustration

Buying a home with roaches

Q

We looked at one last night that we really liked; however, we saw two Raid cans in different rooms, all cabinets were open in the house, and we saw a few dead bugs which I think were roaches. Should we be concerned?

Avoid bringing roaches when you move

Q

I want to be sure that I do not take any roaches or roach eggs with me when I move. Can you tell me what I need to do in order to ensure this doesn’t happen?

Roaches in used sofa sleeper

Q

How likely is it that I will bring roaches into my home via a used sofa sleeper?

How to get rid of waterbugs or sewer roaches?

Q

We get these bugs — some people call them sewer roaches, and others call them water bugs. How do we get rid of them?

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

© 2024 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers

Your Branch  

Call Now