In our last cockroach blog, we touched primarily on the American cockroach. However, while American cockroaches are very common in our area, there is another species of cockroach that we need to be on the lookout for as well: the German cockroach! These cockroaches are smaller than most other cockroaches. While American cockroaches can grow to be about 2 inches in length, German cockroaches will only grow to be about ½ an inch! These roaches are light brown or tan in color and have two dark-colored parallel stripes on the back of their head; they have wings, but do not fly. However, just because German cockroaches are smaller than many other species doesn’t make them any less startling to find crawling across your bathroom floor or any less dangerous to have living inside your home!
German cockroaches enjoy warm, humid weather and will feed on a variety of things. They are commonly found in kitchen and bathroom areas, which can be quite frightening for unsuspecting homeowners! Not only do these roaches cause distress for homeowners, but they can also present a health hazard inside your home as well. German cockroaches are known to spread 33 different kinds of disease-spreading bacteria that can make people become very ill, including salmonella. They can also carry several different parasitic worms.
Prior to coming into your home, cockroaches can be found crawling through sewage, trash, and other sources of filth. As they travel through these unsanitary areas, they will pick up harmful bacteria and pathogens on their bodies and legs. When they find their way inside, they will crawl throughout your home, contaminating your food sources and the surfaces in your home as they go. In addition to spreading illness, studies have shown that cockroaches can also cause allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma attacks. Therefore, if you suspect you have cockroaches it’s important to take action straight away to avoid these negative repercussions!
German cockroaches often find their way into our homes by hitchhiking on items that are brought in from outside, or even food products from the grocery store! They may also crawl through small holes or other entryways to gain access to what’s inside. What German roaches invade our homes, they are typically searching for two main things: a warm, moist environment and plentiful food sources. To prevent these pests from entering your home, it is important to take measures to help make your home less appealing to them. Here are a few ways to deter these pests from invading:
Take out your household trash regularly and store it in trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
Keep all outdoor garbage containers covered with tightly-sealed lids to prevent them from attracting these roaches onto your property.
As mentioned before, cockroaches are good hitchhikers, so make sure to check all boxes and packages for signs of cockroaches before bringing them into your home, even store bought ones.
Seal any cracks or holes in the exterior of your home that could function as entry points for these pests to use to gain access to your home.
If you are already dealing with a cockroach infestation in your home, it’s important that you store all the food items in your home properly to avoid food contamination. You should keep all the food in your home in airtight containers or in the refrigerator. In addition, make sure to clean surfaces before using them to prepare food as these pests can contaminate these areas as well.
When dealing with German cockroaches or other pests, it’s always best to contact your local pest control company! If you are located in the Albany, Capital District, or Adirondack region areas, Thomas Pest Control is the company for you! Our professional technicians know how to identify cockroach infestation and the most effective ways to treat them. At Thomas Pest Services, we will be able to safely remove any pests in your home and help you maintain a pest-free environment. Our team of professionals will provide the services needed to rid your home of cockroaches and help prevent future infestations as well. We offer both residential and commercial programs to help keep both homes and businesses pest-free! Contact the professionals at Thomas Pest Services in New York today to get started.