German cockroaches are the most widespread roaches in the United States. It only takes 36 days for a newborn German cockroach to become an adult and they are the fastest of any cockroach species at reproduction. One female can produce up to 100,000 cockroaches in a year! They are easily identified by the two dark strips on their tan or light brown body. Young roaches are almost black in color and have the same strips. They have wings but you won’t find them flying around because they prefer to run instead. They can be anywhere between ½ an inch to 5/8 of an inch in size. German cockroaches carry diseases and allergens that can lead to health problems so an infestation need to be taken care of immediately. A Five Star Termite & Pest Control offer helpful tips to keep German cockroaches out of your home this fall.
How to Prevent & Get Rid of German Cockroaches
Almost always with German cockroaches, an infestation starts when they are carried in from another place with an infestation. They can come into your home in boxes, bags, clothing and other items so be vigilant and check all items you bring into your home. Look for bugs, droppings, skins or eggs and if you are even the slightest bit wary of an item, throw it away. Just because you’re careful doesn’t mean that you will keep them out of your home. Once they are introduced and without control measures taken, you’ll have a total infestation in no time. It’s a bad sign to see them during the day because they’re nocturnal. Daytime sightings indicate a heavy infestation because of overcrowding, forcing then to look for food during the day. Seeing one in your home means you probably have many, many more in your home. Killing one does nothing to get rid of the problem. They will continue to breed until the nest is taken care of. They nest in moist, dark areas like under kitchen appliances, in cabinets, behind baseboards or moldings, in wall voids and in pantries. Any cracks and crevices as thin as a dime need to be sealed. Removing food and water sources helps take care of an infestation and will help prevent new ones in the future. Cleaning is important because it removes as many food sources as possible. Doing this also makes baits work better because it’s their only food source. Avoid German cockroaches so you don’t need to deal with getting rid of them.
Tips to Avoid a German Cockroach Infestation
R-Reproduction. They are prolific breeders.
O-Other places. Remember that German cockroaches will come into your home in items from other locations.
A-Active inspection. Carefully inspect all items that come into your home.
C-Cleanliness. The cleaner your home is the less inviting it is for them.
H- Home. Protect your home. It’s your home, not theirs!
Cockroach Pest Inspections, Exclusion, Control, Removal, Management & More in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas
German cockroaches are very difficult to get rid of and experience shows that DIY methods only contain the problem rather that eliminate it. You need professional help. If you see one in your home you need to get started on pest control immediately so you can enjoy a roach-free home again. Contact A Five Star Termite & Pest Control today!
