What is a German cockroach?
The German cockroach is the most common species worldwide. These roaches love to inhabit restaurants, hotels, food producing factories, and institutional facilities.
German cockroaches are between 1/2 to an inch in size. They are usually tan colored with an antennae with 2 distinct stripes on their backs. Interestingly, they have wings, but do not fly! These cockroaches thrive in all areas of the United States and they are not seasonal pests. They absolutely love warm and humid environments like kitchens, bathrooms, and even the darker wet corners of your basement.
(And they breed continuously with multi-generational inhabitants occurring at one time.)
How will I know I have German cockroaches if I do not actually see them?
If there is an infestation, you will see areas of droppings that look like coffee grounds. Cockroach eggs can be found and even remnants of shedding skin. You may even find a dozen or so dead cockroaches, victims of poison bait returned to the nest. Many cockroaches fall prey to cannibalism.
How did I get German cockroaches in my house?
Just like bedbugs, German cockroaches are hitchhikers that can jump into a suitcase, briefcase on the train, or a purse left on the floor in a restaurant. These roaches are food foragers and can find the smallest amounts of food, crumbs, or spills. Therefore, cleanliness and diligence are paramount in your kitchen, and throughout your home:
- Clean up all crumbs and food from your counters and floors.
- Wipe down the appliances and counter tops with a strong cleaner.
- Vacuum frequently, especially in areas where the family eats including basements, family rooms, and even bedrooms.
- Empty all trash bins, especially in the warm weather.
- Be mindful of leftover food in pet dishes and remove the dish once your pet has finished eating.
- Fun fact: cockroaches hate citrus smells.
Look in and around your home.
Let’s take this one step further and really investigate the areas in and around your home.
- Are there gaps in the window screens, sliding doors and garage doors?
- Check the insulation around utility lines and pipes. Dryer vents too!
- It does not take much for them to get in so inspect your basement foundation on a regular basis. Even the smallest crack is an open door for a roach.
How do I get rid of German cockroaches?
We tend to think that pest control is something we can do ourselves. This is not one of the times should attempt this yourself. It is what you cannot see that hurts you. There is very rarely just one roach. If you find dead roaches, it could mean there are so many that the food sources are limited, and they are dying!
Our trained technicians locate the source, and not just treat what the eye can see. We want to stop the infestation and keep your home or business healthy and cockroach free. Contact us for a free inspection and we will prepare a plan of action for removal and treatment and get those cockroaches to moved out!
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Resources: pestworld.org
