7 Signs of a Cockroach Infestation in Pee Dee & Grand Strand Homes
If you’ve ever asked, “Was that… a roach?” after turning the kitchen light on in the middle of the night, you’re not alone.
In the humid and coastal climate of South Carolina’s Pee Dee and Grand Strand, we get calls all the time from homeowners who saw one cockroach (or several) and then realized the bigger issue was happening quietly behind walls, under appliances, or down in a damp crawl space.
The good news? With professional control, roach problems can be solved quickly once the source is identified.
In this guide, the team at Harris Pest Control will walk you through the most common signs of a cockroach infestation, what they usually mean, and when it’s time to stop guessing and schedule help.
If you’re trying to figure out what type of roach you’re dealing with (German vs American vs Oriental), start with our overview: Cockroaches In South Carolina: What You Need To Know.
7 Common Cockroach Infestation Signs
One sign alone doesn’t always prove an infestation. But when you see two or more signs (especially droppings + egg cases, or daytime sightings), it’s a strong signal you’re dealing with ongoing activity.
1) Roach Droppings
Roach droppings are often described as:
- Tiny black specks like ground pepper (common with smaller roaches)
- Dark pellets or cylinder-shaped droppings (more common with larger roaches)
They’re most often found:
- In cabinet corners
- Along baseboards
- Under sinks
- Behind or under the refrigerator and stove
If you’re already noticing droppings plus activity near sinks and appliances, take a minute to review our practical prevention tips in 5 Simple Tips For A Cockroach-Free Kitchen.
2) Egg Cases (Oothecae)
Roaches don’t lay single eggs the way many people imagine. They typically lay eggs in a protective case called an ootheca.
If you’re finding egg cases, it’s a big deal because it means roaches are reproducing in or near your home.
If your home has a moisture issue (leaks, a humid crawl space, standing water), that can create ideal conditions for “water bugs” and other roaches to thrive. For example, Oriental Cockroaches are strongly associated with damp areas.
3) Smear Marks In Damp Areas
In higher-moisture spots, roaches can leave brownish, irregular smear marks along:
- Wall-floor junctions and crevices
- Baseboards
- Cabinet edges
- Around plumbing penetrations
This is especially common where water is consistently available (leaky plumbing under sinks, around toilets, laundry rooms, and crawl spaces).
Many homes throughout South Carolina — especially older homes and beach properties — are built with crawl space foundations, which can trap humidity and create ideal conditions for roaches if moisture isn’t controlled.
If you suspect humidity is feeding the problem, this is a helpful read: Is Moisture In Your Crawl Space Attracting Insects And Rodents?
4) A Musty, Oily Odor That Wasn’t There Before
A larger or long-running roach problem can produce a musty, unpleasant smell that lingers—especially in tight, poorly ventilated spaces.
If you’ve ever thought, “It smells like damp towels that sat too long,” trust that instinct and investigate.
5) Shed Skins (Molted “Shells”)
Roaches grow by molting—meaning they shed their outer skin multiple times. Finding shed skins in hidden areas is a strong sign roaches have been present for a while.
Common places to find them:
- Behind appliances
- Under sinks
- In utility closets
- In cluttered storage areas
6) Daytime Roach Sightings
Roaches are typically most active at night. So when homeowners start seeing roaches in the daytime, it can indicate:
- Overcrowding in hiding spots
- A larger, established population
- A “food-and-water” setup that’s supporting ongoing activity
If you’re seeing smaller roaches during the day, don’t ignore it—German roaches reproduce quickly and tend to build populations indoors near kitchens and bathrooms. You can compare signs and habits here: German Cockroach Facts And Treatment Guide.
7) Food/Package Damage And “Mystery Contamination”
Roaches can chew on and contaminate food packaging and may damage paper goods. In heavy infestations, they may even feed on organic materials like book bindings.
If you’re seeing small holes in packaging, unexplained crumbs, or a recurring “cabinet cleanup” problem, roaches may be part of the story.
If you're seeing two or more of these signs, it’s worth having a professional confirm what’s happening. A quick inspection can prevent a small issue from becoming a bigger one.
Schedule your free inspection today!
Where To Look First (A Quick Homeowner Checklist)
If you only have 10 minutes, check these high-yield spots:
- Under the kitchen sink (especially the back corners)
- Behind the refrigerator (including the drip pan area)
- Between the stove and cabinets
- Bathroom vanity plumbing cutouts
- Around floor drains
- Crawl space access points
If you’re finding roaches in (or near) damp areas, your long-term fix may require moisture control—not just treatments inside the living space. If you want to see what that involves, here’s our local service overview: Crawl Space Encapsulation.
When To Call A Pro (The “Don’t Wait” List)
In coastal areas like Myrtle Beach and surrounding communities, storm-driven moisture and high humidity levels can allow roach populations to rebound quickly if the source isn’t addressed.
It’s time to call a professional if any of the following are true:
- You’ve found egg cases or lots of droppings
- You’re seeing roaches during the day
- You’re seeing nymphs (baby roaches), which often means they’re breeding nearby
- Activity returns after DIY sprays or baits
- You have asthma or allergy sufferers in the home
On the health side, the American Lung Association notes that cockroach allergens can be found in body parts, saliva, and fecal matter—and can worsen asthma for people who are sensitive. See: Cockroaches And Indoor Air Health.
What A Professional Pest Plan Does Differently
The goal isn’t just to knock down what you can see—it’s to break the life cycle and remove what roaches need to survive and thrive.
The EPA’s guidance on “smart pest control” emphasizes Integrated Pest Management (IPM): focusing on prevention (removing food, water, and shelter) alongside reduced-risk treatments as needed. Here are two helpful educational resources:
For South Carolina-specific home guidance, Clemson’s Home & Garden Information Center also recommends using a combination of sanitation, exclusion, and targeted treatments. See: Cockroach Control (Clemson HGIC).
In practical terms, a professional plan typically includes:
- Targeting hidden harborage areas (not just spraying baseboards)
- Addressing sanitation and moisture conditions that keep roaches active
- Sealing entry points and gaps where roaches travel
- Using the right products in the right places—safely, especially around kids and pets
If you’re seeing larger “palmetto bug” type roaches, these pages can help with quick identification:
Start Here If You Want Help
If you’re in Florence, Myrtle Beach, or anywhere in the Pee Dee and Grand Strand regions, Harris Pest Control is here to help you get a clear answer and a cockroach elimination plan that lasts.
If you’ve spotted droppings, egg cases, or daytime activity, don’t wait for it to get worse. Schedule your free inspection today and get a clear, professional answer.
If you’d like to read about ongoing protection options after the inspection, you can explore our Residential Pest Control Plans.
Cockroach FAQs
Why am I seeing baby cockroaches but not adult ones?
Seeing baby cockroaches (called nymphs) often means a nest is nearby. Young roaches usually stay close to their hiding spots, which may be behind appliances, inside wall voids, or near moisture sources. If you’re spotting nymphs, it typically indicates active breeding.
Does seeing one roach always mean there are more?
Not always — but in South Carolina’s warm, humid climate, a single indoor roach often means others are nearby. Cockroaches prefer to stay hidden, so visible activity can indicate a larger population behind walls, under appliances, or in crawl spaces.
Do DIY sprays get rid of roaches permanently?
Over-the-counter sprays may kill visible roaches but typically do not eliminate hidden nests or egg cases. Without addressing moisture, food sources, and breeding areas, activity often returns.
Does a cockroach infestation mean my home is dirty?
No. While food debris can attract roaches, many infestations are driven by moisture, shelter, and entry points — not cleanliness alone. In humid coastal areas like Myrtle Beach and the Pee Dee, crawl spaces, plumbing gaps, and storm-driven moisture often create ideal conditions, even in well-kept, clean homes.
What time of year are roaches most active in the Pee Dee & Grand Strand?
Roaches can be active year-round indoors. However, warmer temperatures and increased humidity — especially during late spring through early fall — often lead to increased sightings.
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