They can also appear as brown or black fecal stains, or even as a dark ink, depending on the roach and the surface. These stains might also appear as smears and are sometimes raised. Larger roaches leave behind solid feces shaped like cylinders. This waste matter is also brown or black, depending on the species.
American cockroaches typically leave solid black cylindrical droppings with blunt ends and have a distinct ridge along the edges. Regarding its size, the large cockroach droppings average size is approximately 1/8 inch long or equivalent to the same size of a rice grain.
Cockroaches don't pee (a not-so fun fact), but instead secrete solid and semi-solid waste.
Large cockroaches excrete large droppings, usually an inch long. The droppings are cylindrical and solid. If you take the time to look at the droppings closely, you will notice ridges running from one end to the other, making it look like fennel seed.
1. Droppings. Cockroach droppings are a sure sign that you have an infestation.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports the saliva, feces, and shed body parts of cockroaches can trigger both asthma and other allergic responses.
Roach Repellents
Peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, and cypress oil are essential oils that effectively keep cockroaches at bay. Additionally, these insects hate the smell of crushed bay leaves and steer clear of coffee grounds. If you want to try a natural way to kill them, combine powdered sugar and boric acid.
'A mixture of water and soap can suffocate and kill cockroaches and is especially effective against German roaches. Mix four tablespoons of dish detergent in a liter of water and spray it where you've noticed activity,' the entomologist says.
If you find cockroach droppings in your house, vacuuming and cleaning affected areas with soap and warm water helps prevent disease and may reduce allergic reactions.
You also want to use a vacuum to remove droppings from any large cracks or crevices you may notice in your home. Next, thoroughly wash areas where you see droppings. Soap and water are a good start, but you can also use baking soda to help get rid of the roach smell.
The signature cockroach smell — the one they emit while still alive — has been described as oily, musty, and even sweet in some cases. Roaches use their unpleasant odor to communicate with each other, helping them find food, safe places to live, and breeding opportunities.
Droppings. Resembling anything from tiny pepper specks to miniature pellets, a large amount of feces is a clear indicator of a cockroach infestation. Foul odors. Some roach species are known to emit a musty, unpleasant odor that lingers and gets more pungent with a bigger infestation.
Sprinkle boric acid in areas the roaches frequent; when they walk through it, it sticks to them. They later ingest the boric acid, which then kills them. When using boric acid, be sure to limit your exposure; don't place it anywhere that children or pets might find it, as it's toxic when ingested.
Bleach's Effect on Roaches
Taking a deep drink of household bleach would kill anything, roaches included. But the same strong odor that keeps people from taking a swig of bleach repels roaches as well.
Crumbs, spills, and food that has been left out are a great way to end up with a roach infestation quickly. The key to keeping roaches out is to keep your home, but most importantly your kitchen, as spotless as possible. After cooking or preparing a snack, wipe up crumbs and spills immediately.
Baking soda — While it's well-relied on for everyday cleaning, baking soda is very effective at killing cockroaches too. All you need to do is mix it with something the roaches will likely consume — diced onions work well, as does sugar and cheese.
Cockroach Bites
They have been recorded to eat human flesh of both the living and the dead, although they are more likely to take a bite of fingernails, eyelashes, feet and hands. The bites may cause irritation, lesions and swelling. Some have suffered from minor wound infections.
Borax and Sugar
The right combination is about three parts borax to one part sugar. Once you combine the two ingredients, sprinkle it around your home to keep the roaches at bay.
As such, some websites suggest placing coffee grounds around your home to keep roaches away. However, in a 2020 study published in the International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research, researchers tested this out and found that coffee grounds were not very effective at repelling cockroaches.
They Spread Diseases and Bacteria
These agents can cause E. coli, salmonella, typhoid, urinary tract infections, digestive problems, and sepsis. If anyone in your household is very young, very old, or already has a compromised immune system or serious illness, these diseases can be life threatening.