Commercial and Residential Pest Control Services | Dodson Bros. Exterminating Co., Inc.
There are many types of cockroach in the world. But if you’ve seen a cockroach before, you’ve probably seen a German cockroach. This kind is the most common not just in the United States but also worldwide. These creatures are known to be obnoxious, dangerous pests and major health risks, which is why it’s best to deal with a cockroach infestation as soon as you realize you have one. Here’s what you need to know about German cockroaches and how to deal with them.
A German cockroach is a ½-⅝ inch long insect with six legs, antennae and tan or light brown coloring. Two black stripes run down the length of their bodies. They also have wings, but they rarely use them, preferring instead to run from place to place. Female German cockroaches tend to be darker in color than males, and babies—or nymphs—are dark brown or black in color.
German cockroaches love warm, humid locations and narrow, tight places like the space between a cabinet or appliance and a wall. They often make such places their hiding spots when not searching for food. They will usually live close to a water source, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. However, they are also known to infest other parts of the home, such as living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms. These pests will eat basically anything, and have been known to consume everything from human and animal food to soap and toothpaste to garbage and decaying matter.
One way that German cockroaches usually make their presence known is by their droppings, which resemble small black pieces of pepper. Fecal smearing on surfaces is also common. Due to their general uncleanliness, when there are a lot of cockroaches located in one place, you may also detect a slight musty smell.
German cockroaches are not your average pest. Like bed bugs, they breed incredibly rapidly, up to six generations per year, meaning that one pregnant female cockroach can start an infestation all by herself. They are also a major health risk, known to carry over 30 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and seven kinds of other germs, which can cause health issues like diarrhea, dysentery and salmonella. German cockroaches also tend to spread out when their numbers get to a certain point, and they have been known to start disease outbreaks. They are also a major trigger for allergies and asthma.
The best way to handle a German cockroach infestation is to practice prevention beforehand. While a cockroach infestation is not necessarily a sign of filth or of a dirty home, they will be much less likely to infest a place that is kept clean. Keep countertops wiped down and bathrooms clean. Vacuum your home regularly to get rid of potential pathogens and particles that might attract the presence of cockroaches, and wash dishes rather than allowing them to pile up. Also, seal up any outdoor cracks or openings, as cockroaches are good at using even the smallest and narrowest places as entry points into a home.
Finally, if you think you have a serious infestation, call in the professionals. A German cockroach infestation can be mitigated by traps and home remedies, but as they are tough pests and good at hiding and congregating in hard-to-reach places. At Dodson Pest Control, our specialized techniques and 80 years of experience enable us to eliminate your German cockroach problem quickly and effectively. Contact us today for a free inspection!
