Some common signs can help to identify a possible cockroach infestation:

• Unusual smell – An established cockroach infestation produces a lingering and unpleasant odour that taints items they contact.
• Cockroach droppings – If little water is available cockroaches will produce brown/black cylindrical droppings, approx. 2mm long.
• Smear marks – If water is abundant cockroaches will produce brown and irregular shaped smear marks. Check for marks on horizontal surfaces and at wall-floor junctions where cockroaches scuttle.
• Shed skin – Cockroaches shed ‘cast nymphal ‘skins 5-8 times as they mature to adults. These are usually found close to where they are sheltering.
• Check bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms – German cockroaches need warmth and humidity so are likely to be found in and around bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchen areas. They are also good climbers, scaling smooth surfaces like glass & polished metal with ease; due to sticky pads on their feet.
• Check your basement – Oriental cockroaches can cope with cooler, damp conditions and are more common scuttling about in basements or drains. If conditions are tolerable they can survive outside in areas such as rubbish tips. They are not as agile as German cockroaches, but can climb a surface such as rough brickwork.