Sometimes the only sign of cockroach infestation is finding their poop. The roach poop is not easily visible to the eyes unless there is a heavy infestation.
The poop is highly disgusting, with a musty odor. Not only does it spreads diseases like enteric fever, but it also triggers allergies, including asthma.
Cockroach smear marks are the black or reddish-brown streaks of liquified roach poop. Due to heavy humidity and dampness, the roach poop turns into a liquid with greasy consistency that leaves marks on the surfaces.
Therefore, a surface with multiple cockroach Smear Marks points toward heavy roach infestation and an underlying roach colony.
Cockroach smear marks can be easily confused with food stains or rust. But, unfortunately, it is probably the worst thing to encounter. Not only does it leave stains on the surfaces, but the smell also attracts a colony of roaches towards itself.
But before you start a grand operation against roaches, first know if the stains are cockroach smear marks or not. I will try to explain everything about smear marks in the blog below.
Tired of cockroaches? Invest in only these products and follow the guide to eliminate roaches!
Use these products, and you will be roach free in less than a week.
1. Advion Cockroach Gel Bait (Review)
2. Gentrol IGR Point Source (Review)
Other Products to try:
1. Combat Roach Traps (Easy than gel baits)
2. Hot Shot Foggers (To kill in masses – 95%)
3. Pet Safe Killers (Uses Essential Oils)
4. Ortho Defence Outdoor Roach Killer (Prevent Roaches)
What are Cockroach Smear Marks, and How it looks like?
Roaches, including palmetto bugs, feed on filth and garbage. They live most of their lives in shady, dark, and humid environments. The humidity of the environment has a profound effect on the state of cockroach poop.
In a humid environment, cockroaches usually excrete liquified poop. When viewed from above, the liquified roach poop looks like brown or black curly stains or streaks on the surface. These curly stains or markings are called cockroach smear marks.
The smear marks are usually present where cockroaches nest, usually in damp basements and wet kitchens. However, the smear marks can be found on your bed sheets, curtains, and even utensils.
One thing is for sure seeing cockroach smear marks indicate a heavy roach infestation. The roaches happily thrive, breeding, hiding, and freely pooping around the house. It is time to take action, or things will soon get out of control.
Cockroach Smear Marks Can be Dangerous
The cockroach poop carries dangerous bacteria, including Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus, and Mycobacterium species (Source).
These bacteria can cause some dangerous diseases, including Typhoid and Paratyphoid disease.
Therefore, signs of cockroach smear marks or simply liquified roach poop should not be taken lightly.
Katsaridaphobia, An Extreme Fear of Roaches! It can be disturbing for some individuals. Read the article to keep yourself aware.
Cockroach Smear Marks Attract Other Roaches
Cockroaches, like other insects, communicate with one another through pheromones. Pheromones are chemicals secreted by insects that attract other family members towards themselves.
Cockroach smear marks have a foul musty stench. The smell from smear marks contains pheromones capable of attracting other roaches towards themselves.
Therefore, cleaning smear marks is crucial; otherwise, a plethora of roaches will start appearing inside your living space.
Do you know that you can repel roaches using Natural Palmetto Bug Repellents? These natural repellents use the same principle discussed above to keep roaches at bay.
Cleaning the Roach Smear Marks
Cleaning the roach smear marks is not difficult but rather a disgusting job. Use a mask and gloves before embarking on the procedure.
To clean the roach smear marks,
Step 1: Use insecticide spray, roach baits or traps to kill the roaches. More in the next heading.
Step 2: Identify the Surface with Roach Smear Markings.
Step 3: Use hot water and soap to flush the surface or wall.
Step 4: Scrub the surface with a brush or cloth.
Step 5: Leave the surface for 30 minutes and wash again with hot water.
Step 6: Once the surface is dry, use a disinfectant spray to kill the germs.
If the surface is sensitive to water, I recommend using a steam gun instead.
Smear marks on fabrics need nothing special. Just wash it with washing powder in a washing machine. The washing powder contains the necessary ingredients and disinfectants.
Follow these three simple steps to get rid of cockroaches
Step 1: Use a bait
The first step is to use bait to get rid of roaches. Baits are better than sprays, as baits will kill the entire colony.
You can get your hand on many baits, but these are my favorite ones. Use each of them according to the instructions on the pack.
– Bengal Roach Killer is a dry spray bait, very easy to apply and use. (How to use guide)
– Advion Cockroach Gel Bait is the most effective gel you can buy.
– Hot Shot Liquid Cockroach Trapper and Killer is the best trap you can get for cockroaches.
– Combat Max 12-Month Roach Killing Bait is the best bait out on the market.
Step 2: Close all openings
The next step is closing all openings in your home; otherwise, stopping an infestation will be impossible.
Use Loctite Foam Sealent (Amazon Link) to close gaps and openings like a pro.
The most common spots are shared plumbing spots between apartments. Check your washrooms and kitchen plumbings.
Step 3: Use an IGR
Using an IGR is the last step to ensure the roach nymphs don’t grow into adults. An IGR alters the internal hormones of roaches to molt.
This way, the roaches can not become adults and reproduce. Gentrol Growth Regulator (Amazon Link) is the only and the best IGR device for roaches.
It’s effortless to use. Just purge one of them and place it in a hidden place inside every room of your house.
