German cockroaches are the most common property-invading species in the world. They are also one of the most challenging species to get rid of. German cockroaches are a light brown to tan color with two horizontal dark stripes behind their heads. They grow between 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch long and, like other cockroaches, have a flat oval-shaped body, six legs, and antennae.
Cockroaches are known to frequent some of the dirtiest places like sewers and dumpsters, but once they get into a home, they will seek damp, dark places. Because the kitchen provides the most accessible access to food, German cockroaches are often found under the sink, behind the refrigerator and oven, and inside dishwashers. However, their hiding places are not limited to those listed above, and cockroaches can potentially hide throughout the house.
Are you worried about German cockroaches on your Houston property? You’re not alone, which is why the experts at All-Safe Pest & Termite have the information you need about this pest.
Dangers And Difficulties Of German Cockroaches
As stated above, cockroaches are known to live in dirty places where they can pick up dangerous pathogens and bacteria that they then spread after infesting a property, making people sick. This includes typhoid fever, cholera, salmonellosis, dysentery, listeriosis, gastroenteritis, E. coli, and giardia. Other health concerns German cockroaches bring:
- Food, surface, and personal hygiene product contamination
- Allergies and asthma caused by shedding skin and droppings
Overall, German cockroaches in a home create an unhealthy living environment that no one should be exposed to. What makes them worse is that they are notoriously difficult to eradicate. The reasons why:
- They are continuously reproducing.
- Females carry their eggs, which helps keep them out of danger when they hatch.
- They eat just about anything from human waste to sweets and furniture glue. This means they can easily survive hiding away in different parts of a home.
- They have growing immunity to conventional pesticides. With these resistances, it is almost impossible to use traditional methods against this pest.
- They have adapted to avoiding sugar baits, which used to be an effective control method.
Like other species, German cockroaches can live up to a month without food, a week without water, and a week without their head, making them even more challenging to kill. Because of how difficult it is to get rid of this pest, you shouldn’t waste your time, money, and patience trying to treat them on your own. Instead, turn to the experts who know how to get the job done effectively.
Prevention Tips For German Cockroaches
If there are no signs of German cockroaches in your home or you want to avoid another future infestation, you should implement the following prevention tips:
Seal Potential Entry Points And Remove Hiding Places:
- Fill in cracks in the foundation and walls
- Place screens, weather stripping, and door sweeps on all exterior windows and doors
- Declutter often
Remove Food Sources:
- Store all food, including pet food, in air-tight containers
- Use trash cans and compost bins with sealed lids
- Deep clean regularly
Address Moisture Issues:
- Use stone or crushed rock between the foundation and soil
- Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture
- Clean gutters and make sure they are working properly
Dealing With German Cockroaches
The best way to deal with a German cockroach infestation is with professional assistance. At All-Safe Pest & Termite, we have German cockroach solutions for Houston residents. With our fast response times and top-quality pest control services, you can live pest-free again. So don’t wait; call us today to learn more about how we can help you.