A very common pest, cockroaches inhabiting buildings are nocturnal and remain in the dark whenever possible, only emerging to search for water and food. Large infestations should be suspected when cockroaches are seen in the open or in the light during the day.
Cockroaches can get into the cleanest of living spaces because in most situations, we unknowingly bring them home. Cockroaches can be found behind refrigerators, sinks and stoves, as well as under floor drains and inside of motors and major appliances. If you can't find any of the insects during the day, check cupboards and pantries for their droppings as cockroach feces will be visible during an infestation.
Not only do cockroaches eat (and excrete on) our paper products, boxes, and food, but through spreading their filth and contaminating our food and environment with a variety of human pathogens, cohabiting with cockroaches can be detrimental to human health.
No matter the species of the roach, prevention and sanitation are the keys to successfully controlling them. Vacuuming will eliminate cockroach skins and feces that cause cockroach allergies. Cockroach feces also contain a chemical (aggregation pheromone) that attracts cockroaches to an area. Eliminating the cockroach feces by scrubbing with hot, soapy water will decrease the amount of aggregation pheromone available to attract cockroaches to the area.