Cockroaches in the House: Signs and Where They Hide
Cockroaches are good at hiding, so by the time you see one, there are often more nearby. The German cockroach is the most common species inside American homes, and it can multiply quickly.
Common signs
- Roaches at night when you turn on the kitchen or bathroom light.
- Roaches in daylight, which can mean hiding spots are crowded.
- Droppings that look like ground pepper or coffee grounds in drawers, cabinets and along edges.
- Egg cases: small, brown, capsule-shaped cases in cracks and corners.
- A musty, oily odor in cabinets or closed areas.
Where they hide
Roaches like warm, damp, dark places close to food and water: under sinks, behind and under the refrigerator and stove, inside dishwashers and microwaves, around water heaters, and in cracks in cabinets. German cockroaches are small, light brown, with two dark stripes just behind the head.
Why they matter
Cockroach droppings, shed skins and saliva contain allergens that can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children. Roaches also walk through garbage and drains and can carry bacteria onto surfaces and food.
What you can do now
- Clean up crumbs and grease, and do not leave dishes or pet food out overnight.
- Fix dripping faucets and leaks; roaches need water more than food.
- Seal cracks around pipes and cabinets with caulk.
- Take out trash daily and keep it in a lidded can.
Because German cockroaches breed fast and hide deep in cracks and appliances, store-bought sprays often reduce the ones you see without reaching the rest. If you see them regularly, a provider can inspect and explain treatment options.