In the food industry, knowing how to detect cockroach infestations early is critical in ensuring the success of your business. Failing to realize the threat of cockroaches and other pests in your business can become a costly mistake or, unfortunately, close your business entirely. Here are 4 cockroach infestation signs food handlers need to know:
Living or Dead Cockroaches
One sure sign of cockroach infestation is the presence of living or dead cockroaches around your business. In commercial kitchens, dead cockroaches will often be found around common nesting sites including appliances, drains and food storage areas. Check these areas and other similar areas around your business to limit the chances of infestation.
A serious cockroach infestation will likely mean that cockroaches aren’t hiding during the day. As a nocturnal pest, cockroaches will normally only come out in search of water or food when there is little activity in a commercial kitchen. If you see free-roaming cockroaches during the day, it usually means that the nest has grown too large to accommodate them.
Cockroach Droppings
The presence of cockroach droppings in any amount can signal a cockroach infestation is occurring. Food handlers should learn to identify cockroach feces to ensure they are proactively monitoring for signs of an active infestation. Generally, cockroach droppings will have a similar appearance to coffee grounds or ground black pepper and can vary in size depending on how large the cockroach species is.
Cockroach Egg Casings
Like many other pests, cockroaches develop in egg casings called oothecae. Each one of these egg casings can hold anywhere between 10-20 eggs for most cockroach species, while the German Cockroach ootheca can hold up to 50. Finding intact eggs or broken casings is almost always a sure sign of cockroach infestation.
Early detection of egg casings is important because of the rapid reproduction of cockroaches. Often, oothecae will be deposited in undisturbed areas that provide shelter for the developing cockroaches. Food handlers should check for this cockroach infestation sign behind appliances or under sinks to determine the severity of infestation.
Cockroach Odor
When large numbers of cockroaches are in the same area, it is not uncommon for their distinct smell to become very apparent. Anyone who has experienced a large-scale cockroach infestation will likely still remember the musky or oily smell that these pests give off. For this reason, food handlers should learn to detect and identify this smell to assist in cockroach elimination.
Why Xtreme Pest Management for Commercial Pest Control?
Cockroaches can quickly damage the reputation of your business if customers are aware of their presence. If you are experiencing a cockroach infestation, or want to stop one from happening, you will likely need the assistance of a pest control specialist. Xtreme Pest Management has the tools and knowledge necessary to ensure your commercial kitchen remains pest and cockroach free.
When you partner with Xtreme Pest Management for your pest control needs, you will take back control of your business and be able to focus on keeping your customers happy. We can examine your property for any signs of cockroaches and eliminate them if we do find them. Ready to get started? Call us at (918) 724-2028 or start your estimate today!
