Top Signs of a Cockroach Infestation in Your Myrtle Beach Home

In Myrtle Beach, the warmth and humidity that make coastal living so appealing also create the perfect environment for unwanted guests—cockroaches. These pests don’t need an invitation, and they rarely announce their arrival. Instead, they slip into homes quietly, settling into kitchens, bathrooms, and crawl spaces before most homeowners even realize they’re there.

Cockroach infestations often begin subtly, with signs that are easy to overlook. But once they’ve established themselves, they multiply fast and bring serious health risks with them. Even the smallest clue could be pointing to a bigger issue, and knowing what to watch for can make all the difference in protecting your home and family.

1. Unpleasant, Musty Odor

One of the earliest signs of cockroach activity is a lingering, oily smell that seems to come from nowhere. This odor is produced by cockroach pheromones and waste, and it intensifies as the infestation grows. If your Myrtle Beach home has a persistent musty scent—especially in dark, damp areas—it’s worth investigating.

The smell tends to be strongest in enclosed spaces like pantries, under sinks, or behind appliances, where cockroaches often congregate. Over time, the odor can permeate fabrics, cabinets, and even food packaging, making it difficult to ignore. If cleaning doesn’t eliminate the smell, it’s likely a sign that pests are still active.

This odor isn’t just unpleasant—it’s a warning sign. Cockroach-related allergens can aggravate asthma and respiratory conditions, especially in children and older adults. If the smell is accompanied by other symptoms like coughing or sneezing, it’s time to take action.

2. Droppings That Look Like Coffee Grounds

Cockroach droppings are small, dark, and granular—often mistaken for pepper flakes or coffee grounds. You’ll typically find them near food sources, under sinks, behind appliances, or along baseboards. These droppings are a clear indicator of cockroach activity and should never be ignored.

The quantity of droppings can also help gauge the severity of the infestation. A few scattered pellets might suggest recent activity, while clusters or trails of droppings point to a well-established colony. Cleaning up these droppings is important, but without addressing the source, they’ll keep coming back.

In addition to being unsightly, droppings can carry bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. If you find them near food prep areas, it’s essential to sanitize thoroughly and consider a professional inspection to prevent contamination.

3. Smear Marks Along Walls and Surfaces

In areas with high humidity (a common condition in South Carolina homes), cockroaches leave behind brown smear marks as they crawl along surfaces. These streaks are often found near water sources like sinks, bathtubs, and dishwashers.

These marks are typically found where cockroaches travel frequently, such as along baseboards, behind toilets, or near plumbing fixtures. Because they’re often overlooked during routine cleaning, they can accumulate over time and signal a hidden infestation. If you notice these streaks reappearing after cleaning, it’s time to investigate further.

Smear marks may also appear in less obvious places—like inside cabinets, behind picture frames, or along the edges of countertops. If you’re seeing them in multiple rooms, it’s a sign that the infestation is spreading beyond its original nesting area.

4. Shed Skins and Egg Casings

As cockroaches grow, they shed their exoskeletons. These translucent skins can be found in hidden corners, under furniture, or inside cabinets. You may also spot oval-shaped egg casings (called oothecae), which contain dozens of baby roaches. Finding either is a strong sign that the infestation is active and multiplying.

Egg casings are especially concerning because they represent future generations of cockroaches. Each ootheca can contain up to 50 eggs, and once hatched, the young roaches quickly mature and begin reproducing. If you find multiple casings, it’s a sign that the infestation is spreading rapidly and professional intervention is needed.

Additionally, shed skins often accumulate in areas where cockroaches feel safe—dark, undisturbed places like behind appliances or inside wall voids. These remnants are not only unsightly but also contribute to allergens in the home, which can trigger asthma and other respiratory issues.

If you’re finding skins and casings in places you rarely clean—like behind the fridge or inside storage boxes—it’s a sign that cockroaches have been nesting undisturbed for some time.

5. Increased Nighttime Activity

Cockroaches are nocturnal, so if you’re seeing them during the day, the infestation may be severe. However, even subtle signs—like hearing scurrying sounds at night or noticing movement when you turn on a light—can indicate a growing problem.

You might also notice them darting away when you open a pantry or flip on a bathroom light. These quick movements are often accompanied by a rustling sound, especially in cluttered areas. If you’re hearing these noises regularly, it’s likely that cockroaches have made themselves at home in your walls, cabinets, or crawl spaces.

Nighttime activity can also include spotting roaches near pet food bowls, trash bins, or water dishes. If you’re seeing them in these areas after dark, it’s a strong sign they’ve established a reliable food and water source inside your home.

6. Damage to Food Packaging

Roaches will chew through cardboard, paper, and even thin plastic to access food. If you notice gnawed edges on pantry items or unexplained holes in packaging, it’s time to consider professional cockroach inspection in Myrtle Beach.

Beyond the physical damage, cockroaches can contaminate food with their saliva, droppings, and shed skins. This contamination poses serious health risks, especially in homes with children or elderly residents. If you find damaged packaging, discard the affected items immediately and sanitize the area thoroughly.

Keep an eye out for sticky residues or foul smells near food storage areas—these can be signs that cockroaches have been feeding and nesting nearby. Even unopened packages can be compromised if stored in infested cabinets.

7. Sightings in Bathrooms and Kitchens

These two areas are cockroach hotspots due to their moisture and food availability. Early signs of roaches in the kitchen or bathroom include spotting one crawling near drains, under the fridge, or inside cabinets. Even a single sighting should prompt further investigation.

Bathrooms, in particular, offer ideal conditions for cockroaches to thrive—warmth, humidity, and access to water. You might find them hiding behind the toilet, under the sink, or inside linen closets. Kitchens, meanwhile, provide food sources and shelter, making them prime real estate for roach colonies. If you’re seeing roaches in both areas, the infestation may already be widespread.

Don’t overlook utility closets or laundry rooms—these spaces often have plumbing access and low foot traffic, making them perfect hiding spots for roaches looking to expand their territory.

How to Minimize Cockroach Attraction in Your Home

While professional pest control is essential for eliminating infestations, there are several proactive steps homeowners can take to make their space less inviting to cockroaches:

• Seal entry points: Use caulk or weather stripping to close gaps around doors, windows, and plumbing.
• Fix leaks promptly: Roaches are drawn to moisture, so repair dripping faucets and leaky pipes.
• Store food securely: Keep pantry items in airtight containers and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
• Clean regularly: Wipe down surfaces, sweep floors, and remove crumbs to eliminate food sources.
• Declutter storage areas: Cardboard boxes and paper piles provide ideal hiding spots.
• Empty trash frequently: Use sealed bins and take out garbage regularly to prevent buildup.
• Ventilate damp areas: Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce humidity.

These habits won’t eliminate an existing infestation, but they can help prevent future problems and support the effectiveness of professional treatments.

What to Do If You Suspect a Cockroach Infestation

If you’ve noticed any of these signs of cockroach infestation in your Myrtle Beach home, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Roaches reproduce quickly and can contaminate surfaces, food, and even the air you breathe. Get in touch with our team today to schedule a thorough inspection and take back control of your home.

Precision isn’t just a promise—it’s our practice. Team Veterans Pest Control is built on the values of service, discipline, and trust—because protecting your home should never be treated like a routine job. Our veteran-led crew brings eco-conscious solutions, clear communication, and a commitment to excellence that’s earned us the confidence of families across Myrtle Beach. When pests show up uninvited, we show up prepared—with a plan, a purpose, and a promise to leave your home safer than we found it.