Let’s face it, no one likes the idea of pests taking up residence in their homes or businesses. Cockroaches in particular have the penchant to make property owners break out in a cold sweat and run for the hills. When it comes to cockroach species, the German cockroach is one of the most common species of cockroaches to infest residential homes and commercial businesses. Not only are German cockroaches unsightly, they can spread germs and disease, and cause allergies in those who are susceptible.
German Cockroach Identification
The German cockroach is easily identified by its long antenna and flat, oval shaped light brown to tannish brown body with two black marks between the head. German cockroaches range from ½ inch to 5/8 of an inch in length.
German Cockroach Habitat
German cockroaches have a preference for warm and humid spaces that are close to water and food sources which makes your home or business a perfect environment for them to thrive. German cockroaches are often brought into the home in boxes, grocery bags, and second hand furniture. But they can also gain entry squeezing into cracks and gaps around doors and windows. Once they have gained access and set up residence home and business owners often find them in bathrooms and kitchens crawling across countertops and infecting food and food preparation areas with bacteria and parasites. The German cockroach, like most cockroach species has an amped up breeding cycle and can literally reproduce at an astounding rate of five to six generations per year.
How to Prevent German Cockroaches
Preventing German cockroaches from infesting your home begins with good hygiene practices. Keep kitchen counters free of crumbs, wiped clean and sanitized, and floors swept and mopped frequently. Remember to vacuum carpets and dispose of trash on a regular basis. Like many other household pests, cockroaches are attracted to moist areas including bathrooms. If you have moisture issues consider using a dehumidifier and contact a plumber to inspect your pipes and faucets for leaks. Take a close look at the exterior of your home for cracks and crevices and seal with good quality caulking when needed. Weatherproofing exterior doors and windows also goes a long way to keeping cockroaches out.
Health Problems Caused By German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are renowned for being nuisance pests, but it is important to remember that cockroaches including German cockroaches are also well known for spreading disease on the spines of their legs as they crawl through trash and other unsavory substances. Germs are transferred to food and food preparation areas when the scurry across them leaving behind as many as thirty plus assorted types of bacteria, half a dozen parasitic worms, and several types of human pathogens. The saliva, droppings, and decomposing corpses of dead cockroaches can cause allergies, asthma, and other breathing issues in those who are susceptible.
Cockroach Identification, Control, Removal & 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
Are you concerned about cockroaches infesting your San Antonio, Texas residential home or commercial business? Contact the knowledgeable experts at A Five Star Termite & Pest Control to learn more about German cockroach prevention, control and removal today.
