Cockroaches are nocturnal and often hide during the day, making them difficult to detect until the infestation becomes severe. Seeing live cockroaches, especially at night, is a strong indication of a problem. Droppings that resemble black pepper or coffee grounds may be found in kitchen cabinets, drawers, or along baseboards. Cockroach egg cases, known as oothecae, are often hidden in dark, sheltered areas. A musty or oily odor may develop in spaces with a large cockroach presence. Smear marks can appear on walls or floors in areas where cockroaches travel frequently. If any of these signs are present, immediate action is necessary to prevent further infestation.