Even the cleanest of houses can become a target for cockroaches in the summer months. Besides the feelings of shock and disgust they cause, cockroaches are also sneaky, fast, and dangerous.
Cockroaches spread many different pathogens, including E. coli, staphylococcus aureus, and streptococcus. They can also trigger asthma and allergy attacks. German cockroaches are one of the main culprits and the most invasive species of roaches in the world.
German Cockroach Identification
German cockroaches are light brown or tan in coloring, with two dark brown stripes on their backs. They can be anywhere from one-half to five-eighths of an inch long, and their bodies are oval-shaped.
German cockroaches have long antennae that help them navigate their surroundings. This type of roach does have wings, but they usually run rather than fly.
Scientists initially thought this cockroach species came from Europe, hence the name, but recent studies have suggested that it actually originated in Asia. Regardless of where they came from, German cockroaches are now an international pest.
Did You Know?
German Cockroaches are Omnivorous
German cockroaches are not picky when it comes to their diet. This common pest will eat just about anything it comes across. This includes all kinds of human food, other insects, sewage, and feces. They’ll even eat manufactured goods like soap, toothpaste, and glue.
German Cockroaches Hate the Cold
While cockroaches are a fairly hardy species, they cannot live long in the cold. They like warmth and humidity, and can only survive northern climates within human residences. Cockroaches rely on humans for food, water, and shelter.
German Cockroaches May Eat Other Cockroaches to Survive
In times of famine, German cockroaches have no qualms about eating their own kind. Cockroach carcasses are seen as a potential meal. If a roach is truly desperate, it might chew off the wings or legs of other living roaches.
Why Do I Have Cockroaches and How Do I Get Rid of Them?
How Cockroaches Enter Your Home
Cockroaches can squeeze through holes as narrow as one-sixteenth of an inch wide. They can enter your home through sewers and utility piping, as well as through cracks in walls, doors, and windows.
You should also make sure to watch out for hitchhiking roaches. They can hide in cardboard boxes, grocery bags, and other secondhand items. They will typically end up in the bathroom or kitchen, attracted by food and moisture.
Ways to Get Rid of and Prevent Cockroaches
The best way to keep German cockroaches out of your home is by maintaining a clean and sanitary space. Here are some simple ways to keep roaches away:
- Clean up crumbs and leftovers right away
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors
- Install fine mesh screens inside your home’s vents
- Clean pet food and water bowls when not in use
- Clean kitchen counters and tabletops often
- Regularly check your gutter and fix any leaky pipes
- Seal up gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior using a caulking gun
- Use sealed containers for leftover food
Problems Caused by German Cockroaches
Since these critters thrive in filthy environments, they transport a variety of germs. They can contaminate food just by walking on it since the hairs on their legs carry germs too. The pathogens they carry can cause dysentery, giardia, salmonella, tularemia, and plague.
German cockroaches can cause allergic reactions with prolonged exposure. Their saliva, feces, and carcasses create allergen build-up. They especially cause problems for children with asthma.
Cockroaches can damage structural materials by feeding on your home’s insulation or wallpaper. This can lead to costly repairs.
It’s important to get rid of roaches right away before they cause any damage or health problems. Contact Romney Pest Control to keep German roaches away for good!
How to Keep Cockroaches Away for Good
Make sure to follow all the tips above to keep cockroaches from invading your home. Keep a clean home, and act quickly if you spot any cockroaches. Early prevention is the best way to avoid a cockroach infestation.
If you have followed the tips above and still can’t keep roaches out of your San Antonio home, call Romney Pest Control. We will make sure your home is cockroach-free!
