To people who are not entomologists, all cockroaches are more or less the same. They scurry across kitchen floors and look gross. However, Florida actually has quite a few varieties of cockroaches, and each type has its own quirks that make it difficult to eliminate. For instance, some types of cockroaches prefer the outdoors and only become indoor problems if they are brought in by humans.
German cockroaches are not of this category. They prefer to live indoors and with people. This makes them particularly irritating to Floridians. Fortunately, you can both lessen the likelihood of an infestation of them and end a current infestation if you know what to do.
Special Traits Of The German Cockroach
Most people don’t look too closely at the insects in their house, but if you do, you will find that the German cockroach has a couple defining traits. They are one of the smaller types out there. They reach only 5/8 of an inch long on average, like the Asian and Brownbanded roach. Unlike the Asian and Brownbanded, however, they have two stripes on the back of their heads.
Another thing that the German cockroach has that is different from other types is where it hangs out. They tend to grow their families in the bathroom and kitchen, as opposed to the sewer, attic or storeroom. They are still nocturnal, and prefer dark shelters during the day.
Preventing The German Invasion
In some ways, you prevent the German cockroach from getting in your home in the same way that you keep out other types of cockroaches.
- Keep screens in good repair and seal holes in your walls
- Don’t let piles of cardboard build up anywhere because cockroaches like them as breeding grounds
- Eliminate standing water: German cockroaches can live for only 12 days without water
- Clean up, especially food refuse, and regularly vacuum
There is a step that is necessary against the German cockroach that won’t help as much with other types.
- Inspect bags of groceries and children’s lunch boxes regularly for them. That’s how they like to hitch a ride into your home.
Eradicating The Infestation
There are a few ways to deal with an infestation that is already under way.
- Put out sticky traps to monitor the cockroaches presence
- Vacuum and scrub away traces of cockroaches: they leave behind pheromones that attract other roaches and feces that can cause allergic reactions. Also, vacuuming up roaches can make their numbers more manageable
- Get rid of food and water sources: dump out food strainers and fix leaky plumbing
- Seal cracks in walls
- Apply or hire a professional to apply pesticides and bait traps
Having a professional pest control operator identify and eliminate the German cockroach from your home is the best way to be sure that these creatures never cause you problems. Contact Consolidated Pest Control for the needed expertise.
