Seeing a single cockroach in your Las Vegas home doesn't necessarily indicate a full-blown infestation, but it's still a sign that you should take some precautions and investigate further. Cockroaches are nocturnal and tend to hide in dark and secluded areas, so the presence of even one could mean that there are more nearby. Because it is hard to know how many cockroaches are in your home, if you see one, it is time to be on the lookout for other evidence of a cockroach infestation and to be ready to call a pest control professional if you suspect that you do have a serious cockroach problem in your Las Vegas home.

Cockroach health risks

Cockroaches can carry and spread disease-causing pathogens, trigger allergies, and worsen asthma symptoms. Their presence could pose health risks, especially if they have access to food preparation areas. Because of the bacteria ridden places cockroaches slink through in search of food, they pick up all sorts of diseases and bacteria. If they get into your pantry and nibble on some of your food without your knowledge, they can transfer the germs to your food, causing you and your family to get sick.

Signs of cockroaches

There are a few signs to look for and cockroach behavior to note that may indicate that you have a cockroach infestation on your hands. A few things to make note of are:

• Cockroaches are primarily active at night, so if you're seeing one during the day, it could indicate a larger population since they might be seeking food and water sources when they normally wouldn't be visible.
• Cockroaches tend to hide in cracks, crevices, and warm, damp areas. If you've seen one, it's worth checking these areas for signs of more cockroaches or egg cases.
• Cockroaches will leave smear marks on walls near the floor. Because they are often crawling through moisture, they will leave muddy brown tracks as they skitter by a wall.
• Cockroaches will leave behind exoskeletons as they grow. If you find multiple empty insect shells laying around, it means you have many slightly bigger cockroaches running around. As these exoskeletons break down, it creates dust in the air that causes asthma symptoms to get worse.

How to get rid of cockroaches

To stop cockroaches from infesting your home, a few things you can try are:

• Entry Points: Inspect your home for potential entry points and seal them to prevent further intrusion.
• Cleanliness: Cockroaches are attracted to food residue, crumbs, and unclean areas. Maintaining a clean environment and proper food storage can discourage their presence.
• DIY Measures: If you're comfortable doing so, you can set up cockroach traps or baits to monitor the situation. These can help you gauge the extent of the infestation.

Call a cockroach control expert

If you're concerned about the presence of cockroaches or if you see more of them over time, it's a good idea to consider seeking assistance from a professional pest control service. They can accurately identify the type of cockroach and implement effective control measures if needed. If you are a Las Vegas resident, give our team at Pest Raiders a call today.