Signs of cockroach infestation

How to spot cockroaches

Sydney’s warm, humid climate and urban bustle make it a paradise — for cockroaches, at least. These resilient pests flourish in our kitchens, bathrooms and out-of-the-way places, presenting health risks and transforming homes into unwelcome breeding sites. But how can you tell if you’re sharing your space with these creepy crawlies? Let’s explore some of the telltale signs of a cockroach infestation and why it’s important to act quickly.

Why Sydney homes are cockroach hotspots

Cockroaches adore Sydney for the same reasons we do: the weather and urban sprawl. Warmth and humidity create optimal breeding conditions, while the high-density housing and the food waste provide infinite resources. The German cockroach, specifically, is particularly infesting Sydney owing to its prolific reproduction—one female can produce as many as 35,000 descendants in her short life. But whether you’re stuck with German, American or Oriental roaches, the telltale signs of their invasion are glaring — if you know where to look.

Telltale Signs You’re Throwing a Roach Party

Ducklings: The Clues of the Coffee Ground

The clearest red flag is cockroach droppings. These small, dark specks look like coffee grounds or black pepper and accumulate in places such as kitchen cupboards, below sinks, or behind appliances. Their size and shape vary from species to species:

German cockroaches: Tiny, smear-shaped droppings.

Oriental cockroaches: Big, cylindrical droppings.

Locating these “crumbs” is a good indication of activity—and the more you find, the worse the infestation.

That Musty, Oily Stench

A stubborn, musty or oily smell is a dead giveaway. Cockroaches communicate, emitting pheromones, and a growing number means an increasing odor. It can penetrate food, cabinets, and even electronics, becoming particularly potent in closed-in areas such as pantries. If your home smells like a damp basement, you have some investigating to do.

Egg Cases (Oothecae): The Cradle Within Your Walls

Cockroaches’ eggs are enclosed in brown, pill-shaped capsules known as oothecae. It can lay between 10–50 eggs per capsule, which are usually hidden in cracks, behind furniture or close to food sources. German cockroaches carry these cases until they hatch, and others glue them onto hidden surfaces. Detecting these casings is a sign that a new generation isn’t far behind — and in a hurry.