The thought of a cockroach infestation is enough to make any person’s skin crawl. But what if you haven’t noticed any scurrying around or droppings? How do you know if these pests have taken up residence in your home or business? Should you listen for them? Do they even make noise?
Dealing with a cockroach problem in your home or business? Act now before it worsens. Contact us today by email or phone at +1-888-649-9919 to eliminate the issue and prevent future infestations.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Do cockroaches chirp, hiss or make any noises at all?” this blog will clear up those questions and help you catch a possible infestation before it worsens.
Do Cockroaches Make Noise?
Surprisingly, yes — cockroaches do make noise. This might be unsettling, but it also means that if you listen carefully, you might detect a possible infestation. However, the thought of hearing cockroaches as you try to sleep at night can be just as terrifying.
What Sound Does a Cockroach Make?
A chirping sound is the most common noise you’ll hear from certain cockroach species. This noise, often made during stridulation, occurs when cockroaches are mating. Chirping can also happen when cockroaches feel threatened by each other or another pest.
For homeowners with a large cockroach infestation, the more cockroaches there are, the more noises you’ll hear. Obviously, because more cockroaches will be capable of making noises, but also because they’re mostly made with the participation of other cockroaches.
Can Cockroaches Make Hissing Noises?
Many homeowners who come across cockroach infestations are told that these disease-harboring pests can make hissing noises. While this is true, it is a sound that is usually only made by the Madagascar hissing cockroach via breathing holes in its abdomen.
This cockroach isn’t native to the U.S., so you can rest easy knowing you won’t come face to face with a hissing cockroach.
Why Do Cockroaches Make Noise?
Cockroaches use sound as part of their mating rituals and defense mechanisms. As mentioned earlier, stridulation, which involves producing chirping or clicking sounds, is often heard when males try to attract females. This behavior is more common in larger species such as the American cockroach.
Certain species also make noises when startled or threatened, but this is generally less common. Most cockroach species prefer to remain silent to avoid detection.
Can Cockroaches Hear?
Interestingly, cockroaches don’t have ears in the traditional sense like humans do. Instead, they sense vibrations through specialized body parts called cerci, located at the base of their abdomen. These cerci are highly sensitive to air movements and can detect even the faintest vibrations in their environment, allowing cockroaches to respond quickly to danger.
This heightened ability to sense movement helps cockroaches survive, as they can detect predators or disturbances and scurry away before being noticed. So while they can’t “hear” sounds as we do, they can certainly detect movements and vibrations, making them incredibly hard to catch off guard.
How To Prevent Cockroach Infestations
Even though hearing cockroaches is unsettling, prevention is your best line of defense. Here are some tips to keep these pests out of your residential or commercial property:
- Seal entry points: Cockroaches can easily squeeze through tiny cracks. Be sure to seal gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards to keep them out.
- Clean regularly: Clean up crumbs, spills, and food waste immediately, and regularly sweep and vacuum to remove food particles.
- Reduce moisture: Cockroaches thrive in moist environments. Fix leaky pipes, dry your kitchen and bathroom areas, and use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements.
- Store food properly: Keep food in tightly sealed containers, and don’t leave pet food out overnight to prevent attracting pests.
While these small changes can make a big difference in keeping cockroaches at bay, scheduling regular pest control services is the most effective way to ensure your home or business remains pest-free.
Get Expert Solutions for Cockroach Infestations
Most pests that infest your home or business won’t make noises, but a select few will — are cockroaches one of these noise-making pests? Yes, they are!
If you hear or see signs of cockroaches, it’s important to act quickly. A few sightings often mean there are more hiding nearby. DIY methods can help temporarily, but professional solutions are the most effective way to eliminate an infestation and prevent it from returning.
Pest Control Unlimited offers safe, eco-friendly pest management solutions for homes and businesses. Whether you need a one-time treatment to tackle a specific problem or prefer a quarterly program to keep pests out of your property all year round, we have you covered.
Contact us today via email or call us at +1-888-649-9919 to schedule an appointment. Our service areas include Middlesex County in Massachusetts and Hillsborough, Merrimack and Rockingham Counties in New Hampshire.
