Why You Keep Finding Dead Roaches in Your House

There’s nothing like the chill that goes down your spine after finding dead roaches anywhere inside your home. This is an extremely violating and uncomfortable experience, especially if you had no idea there was an emerging infestation. In this article, we’ll explain why you’re dealing with this problem, how to prevent it from worsening, and what steps to take next.

How to Identify a Roach

The first step in discerning how to take action after finding dead roaches in your home is to make sure that what you’re seeing are, in fact, roaches. Proper identification helps make sure that you have determined the problem before trying to deal with it.

In terms of appearance, most household roaches are between half an inch to an inch in length. They have flat and oval-shaped bodies with long antennae that are usually either the same length or longer than their bodies. Cockroach color varies by species, but household roaches are typically reddish-brown to dark brown.

Though most of them have no use for their wings, they are a bug that has them. So, if you notice no wings on the bug you’re dealing with, it might not be a roach. Some roaches also have a noticeably musty odor, especially in areas that are highly concentrated with them.

If the bug (or bugs) you see match these descriptions, then you can be certain that you are dealing with the unfortunate circumstance of a cockroach infestation.

Why You Keep Finding Dead Roaches in Your House

The answer to this question is a rough one. As unlucky as it may be, finding dead roaches in your home almost indicates an infestation. This is even more substantial of an indicator if you’re seeing multiple dead roaches in a short period. If this is a one-off circumstance, or you’ve never had any signs of an infestation, it’s still worth contacting an exterminator.

The trouble with roaches is that if you don’t nip the problem in the bud quickly enough, they will multiply at alarming and troublesome rates. An inspection certainly wouldn’t hurt, even if you don’t see the issue as grandiose as some may interpret. As they say, it is certainly better to be safe than sorry!

Disposing of Dead Roaches

It is important to note that, when removing the roach bodies, do not handle them with your bare hands. This is unsanitary and could pose potential health risks. It is wise to wear gloves if you decide to pick them up directly. If you don’t want to pick them up, using a vacuum and promptly disposing of the bag is another viable option. Letting the bodies sit for too long is a poor idea, so try to get them out of your home and into the garbage as soon as possible.

Other Signs of an Infestation

If you want to see for yourself the severity of the infestation you have on your hands, keep an eye open for these other indicators:

• Weird Smell: Those experiencing an active infestation will notice a foul odor from certain areas of their home. In particular, this odor is described as musty and oily. The smell will worsen with time, and the more pungent it is, the more severe it is.
• Eggs: When cockroaches breed, they leave hundreds of egg casings behind. These casings, called ootheca, can be found in any area of the home that seems suitable for cockroach breeding. This includes any wet areas or particularly dark corners.
• Droppings: These can be harder to notice since they’re so small. Cockroach droppings resemble coffee grounds, appearing to our eye as tiny brown specks. Some common places to find these droppings are behind appliances or along baseboards.
• Damage: This one is probably the most difficult to notice- partially because some don’t know that cockroaches cause damage to such an extent. You see, cockroaches will actually snack on fabric materials like clothes, as well as electronic cables.

What Attracts Roaches to Your Home?

At this point, you’re probably wondering, “Why me?” This is a fair question, as sometimes a cockroach infestation can come out of nowhere! The truth is, despite popular belief, you don’t have to be a hoarder or live in a century-old home to attract bugs. There are plenty of reasons why cockroaches may have found your residence suitable, and some don’t actually have to do with your behavior at all.

The first reason, which is the most common explanation, is food! It’s likely that somehow, some way, you’ve given these cockroaches a supply of food to help keep the colony alive and well. And for cockroaches, just about anything works as a food source. Crumbs, spills, or any accessible food left in open spaces work as an all-you-can-eat roach buffet. Use some detective work if the source isn’t obvious to you. Things like pet food and unsealed pantry food can often be hidden culprits. (Plus, don’t forget to check the bottom of your garbage can!)

If it’s wintertime, that could be another reason why these bugs have let themselves in. Roaches love a warm, tight space to call their home. This is the same regarding shelter. If you have a lot of nooks, crannies, cracks, and crevices? It’s the perfect place for a family of roaches to settle down and set up shop. Often, roaches enter homes without being invited. They can slip through tiny cracks in the foundation, gaps in doors or windows, or come in with grocery bags, second-hand furniture, or appliances.

Where The Roaches Might Be Hiding

There are a few spots in your home that are more likely for the roaches to enjoy living in. That’s because, as we discussed above, they have a specific set of living criteria that they rigidly stick to. Here are some of their favorite hiding spots in a few designated areas of the home.

The Kitchen

• Under Sinks: Not only is this area damp and wet- it’s also in perfect proximity to food.
• Behind Appliances: When’s the last time you’ve looked behind your fridge? If you’re finding dead roaches in your home, this might be a good idea.
• Inside Cabinets: Roaches love leftovers. If there are any spills or crumbs, they’re going to take the free meal without hesitation!

The Bathroom

• Under Sinks: Much like in your kitchen, roaches will be drawn toward this dark, uninhabited, damp area!
• Behind Your Toilet: Roaches love the occasional leak, and it’s not as though behind your toilet is a common spot to come looking.

Living Spaces

• Old Boxes: Have some unpacking that you were supposed to do a few months ago? This space could be a cockroach breeding ground due to its seclusion and apparent privacy.
• Behind Paintings/Wall Art: Especially if your walls are prone to having cracks, residing behind wall art and paintings can shield them from the light of the room.
• Inside Electronics: As gross of an image as it might conjure, there are plenty of instances where people have found roaches inside of alarm clocks and televisions due to the warmth they emit.

Getting Rid of a Roach Infestation

Once you’ve determined that you have an infestation on your hands, the next step is to try and rid your home of them as quickly as possible. Roaches fester, and the problem will get much worse before it gets better. Immediate intervention is the best solution to this, and that can be done by contacting a reputable local exterminator and explaining your situation thoroughly. Together, you can hopefully get an action plan set in place, and get your home back in ship-shape as soon as possible!