German Cockroach Control

 

German Cockroach Control

Identifying German Cockroaches

German cockroaches are sometimes referred to as the roach that gives all roaches a bad name. They have the greatest reproductive potential in comparison to all species of roaches, producing up to 400 offspring in their super short lifetimes and are found living within human populations throughout the world. While they are sometimes mistaken for different species of roaches, there are a few physical attributes that set them apart from others. German cockroaches are light brown with two dark bands on their heads, tan-colored wings, and measuring, on average, 12.7cm to 15.8cm in length. Their nymphs are darker in color than the adults and tend to have a light streak of brown down the center of their backs, while their oothecas (egg sacks) are reddish-brown, bean-shaped capsules with small vertical lines striping its service.

Finding Evidence of an Infestation

Like many of their species, German Cockroaches have an affinity for warm, dark, and moist places. Due to this, they often will find their ways into kitchens, basements, laundry rooms, underneath sinks and around piping. They are photophobic, meaning that they avoid light, which means they can be difficult to find. So when you think you might have a roach infestation, here are some places to search for these insects, their oothecas, and their droppings:

  • Behind appliances such as fridges, stoves, etc.
  • Trash bins/recycling bins
  • Under low tables, couches, fridges, and other low resting furniture/fixtures
  • Inside cracks/crevices
  • Under and behind sinks
  • Under tabletops
  • Inside fridge motors
  • Inside cabinets
  • Inside old boxes
  • In the corners of closets
  • Anywhere pipes and drains are present
  • Basements/cellars

German roach infestations often also emit a musty, foul odor, and you can also notice areas in which food or other items have been disturbed, eaten, etc.

How Did I Get German Cockroaches

Most commonly, these pests tend to hitchhike into homes. They can attach onto different belongings including bags, boxes or even luggage. Sometimes roaches themselves are not brought into the home this way, rather, their oothecas have been deposited in these locations and then transported prior to hatching. Other times, roaches can enter your home through sewage systems and pipes, dragging in an exorbitant amount of filth and even disease.

What Can I Expect from a German Cockroach Infestation? 

The most vital aspect of a roach infestation that you need to be aware of is their threat to your health and safety due to excessively poor sanitation. These insects are extremely filthy and carry many germs and diseases on their bodies, contaminating everything they touch. People with asthma are often especially susceptible to the contaminations of German Roaches and should be extra wary of any adverse effects that may arise. Unfortunately, German cockroaches (along with basically any kind of roach) are notoriously difficult to get rid of. They are incredibly resilient creatures that can survive without their heads, go weeks without food, and are even extremely resistant to nuclear radiation. As one of the hardiest creatures on Earth, it’s not surprising to find that they are difficult to eliminate. As such, professional intervention is almost always required in order to truly rid a home or business of these infuriating insects.

What Can I Do to Help My Technician Battle the Roaches? 

While we may possess all the proper tools and experience to help rid you of roaches, as the one living with them, your help with the elimination process is vital for success. Probably the single most important impact you can make in controlling German roaches is removing anything that may be attracting them. This often involves deep and consistent cleaning, including,

  • Vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping
  • Dusting
  • Tidying up any areas of clutter
  • Cleaning out closets
  • Scrubbing down all surfaces
  • Disposing of garbage outside of the home
  • Pickup all pet food
  • Make sure all food is sealed and not exposed
  • Cleaning out cupboards, pantries, fridges, and anywhere else food might be kept
  • Clean in areas that are rarely cleaned: under couches, behind the fridge, under/behind the stove, any voids, inside storage containers, etc.
  • Make sure to run the dis disposal so food is not trapped inside
  • **If cockroaches are present in your kitchen cupboards, it is also important to clear them out of all items including dishes, décor, etc. This is so that your technician can treat the cupboards without having to work around items or get treatments on the items.

Our technicians will work tirelessly with you to eliminate German Cockroaches from your life for good and your diligence with cleaning and sanitation can substantially accelerate the rate of success as well as improving overall results with roach control. Also, by maintaining this kind of clean and tidy home or business, you will effectively be reducing the chances of having another problem with roaches in the future.

Citations

Antani, K. and Burgeson, A. (2011) Blattella Germanica: German CockroachAnimal Diversity Web. The University of Michigan. Available at: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Blattella_germanica/ (Accessed: August 2020). Kraft, S. and Pinto, L. (2016) German Cockroaches: 10 Key Facts to RememberPest Control Technology. GIE Media. Available at: https://www.pctonline.com/article/german-cockroaches-10-key-facts-to-remember/ (Accessed: September 2020). Valles, S. (2008) German Cockroach: Blattella Germanica (Linnaeus)The University of Florida Department of Entomology and Nematology. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Available at: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/roaches/german.htm (Accessed: September 2020).

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