Warning Signs of a Cockroach Infestation: What’s That Smell?

Cockroach infestations can sneak up on even the cleanest homes throughout New Jersey. These unwelcome pests are more than just unsettling — they pose real threats to your health, your food safety, and your peace of mind. If you’ve been wondering “How do I know if I have a roach infestation?” or “What is that strange odor in my kitchen?” — you’re not alone. At Arrow Pest Control, we help NJ residents with all types of pest control, including cockroach extermination. We know how to identify the subtle and not-so-subtle signs of a cockroach problem before it becomes a serious health hazard.

That Smell Isn’t Your Imagination

One of the most alarming signs of a cockroach infestation is the distinctive musty, oily odor these pests produce. People often describe it as a mix between stale coffee grounds and wet cardboard. The stronger the smell, the larger the infestation is likely to be.

Cockroaches release pheromones to communicate with other members of their nest, especially during a german cockroach infestation — one of the most common and stubborn species in the United States. Over time, these pheromones accumulate, creating an unpleasant stench that can cling to furniture, wallpaper, food packaging, and even clothing.

If you’ve noticed an unexplained odor in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or basement, it’s time to schedule a professional pest inspection before things spiral further.

Droppings, Skins & Stains: Physical Evidence of Roaches

Another clear sign that you’re sharing your home with the roaches? Their droppings, also known as cockroach feces. These look like black pepper specks, coffee grounds, or dark smears, and are often found near food, behind the refrigerator, around the stove, under the sink, or in tight crevices like a crawl space or pantry.

Cockroach nymphs — baby roaches — shed their exoskeleton multiple times as they mature. If you’re spotting what looks like light brown or translucent shell fragments near walls or furniture, that’s another red flag that you need to take action to nip it in the bud.

Additionally, look for roach egg capsules, called oothecae, which are often left near hidden food sources or warm, moist areas like under appliances, in toilet paper rolls, or even between layers of cardboard. These capsules can contain dozens of future roaches, making it critical to act quickly.

Roach Sightings: When You See One, There Are More

A common question we hear is: How do I know if I have roaches if I only saw one? Unfortunately, spotting even a single cockroach during the day often indicates a larger issue. Roaches are nocturnal by nature. If they’re bold enough to come out while the lights are on, it’s likely because their hiding spaces are overcrowded due to a severe infestation.

In the United States, the German cockroach and the American cockroach are the most commonly encountered species indoors. You might see them dart across the floor when you flip on a light or catch a glimpse of them around the kitchen sink, in the bathroom, or even near the pet food dish at night.

If you notice roaches regularly in your home, especially near moisture-prone areas, it’s time to contact a pest control expert like Arrow Pest Control for a comprehensive inspection and treatment plan.

Health Hazards: More Than Just Gross

Roaches can spread bacteria and disease, including pathogens that trigger asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues. Their droppings, saliva, and shed skins are potent allergens, especially dangerous for children, elderly family members, and those with preexisting conditions.

Roaches can contaminate everything from pet food to your pantry staples, and they often crawl over furniture, leather, and even food packaging. They’ve been linked to outbreaks of food-borne illness, and their ability to hide in walls, under wallpaper, or behind appliances makes them hard to eliminate without professional help.

And while they don’t bite like a flea, tick, or spider, the mere presence of cockroaches increases your risk of secondary infestations from other pests such as ants, mice, or even rats — all drawn to the same food and moisture sources.

Don’t Ignore the Signs — Call Arrow Pest Control Today

If you’re noticing that strange, musty odor, finding suspicious droppings or shell casings, or catching glimpses of roaches scuttling in the night, it’s time to take action. The longer a cockroach infestation is left untreated, the harder it becomes to control—and the bigger the risk to your family’s health and safety.

At Arrow Pest Control, we don’t just treat the symptoms — we eliminate the source. Our experienced technicians are trained to identify the species, locate nests, and deliver safe, effective, long-term solutions. Whether you’re dealing with German cockroaches in the kitchen or are interested in other solutions like our LymeShield tick control system, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call Arrow Pest Control today or fill out our contact form to schedule a home pest control inspection. Your pest-free peace of mind starts now!