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What Do Cockroach Droppings Look Like?

How to Identify Roach Droppings

Cockroach Closeup

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 vs. Roach Feces

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.

Allergies

In addition to cockroach feces, the pests’ body parts, saliva, and cast off skins can trigger allergies as well as asthma attacks. 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 pest control professionals 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

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?

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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?

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

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What kind of roaches are white in color?

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Q

I have a few months left in my lease, but I need this issue addressed before moving. Can roaches be eliminated from a dwelling completely?

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