The last thing anyone wants to find running across their countertop is a roach. German cockroaches are the most common household roaches found indoors.

These ½” long brown roaches have 2 black stripes on the back of their head for identification. Like other roaches, they do have wings but fortunately German roaches do not fly. The use their wings to glide fast as they scurry away.

German roaches enter your home by bags, boxes, books, and even purses. These roaches are transferred from one location to another. They do not come in from outdoors. Some people may think, “my neighbor has them, now I’m going to have them”. Though this may be true in an apartment or attached condo setting, it is not true for single dwelling homes.

Roaches can travel through cracks and holes in apartment buildings looking for food and water. It’s important to keep food tightly sealed, repair leaks, and sanitize surfaces.

German roaches reproduce rapidly and in high masses. One single female German roach can lay a single egg capsule with 50 eggs inside each month. Imagine if there are multiple females laying eggs each month just how fast an infestation can grow.

Preventative pest control treatments can help stop an infestation. Seeing 2-3 roaches doesn’t necessarily mean an infestation has started but if any one of those roaches lay eggs an infestation can quickly manifest.

Roaches live in cracks and crevices where it’s warm, dark, and humid. Under sinks, under appliances, bathrooms, basements, or anywhere near food and water.

Roaches feed on crumbs, sweet foods, meats, plants, paper, and feces. They aren’t picky eaters but need water to survive. Roaches can not survive more than 7 days without water. They do serve a purpose of feeding animals such as mice, spiders, frogs, and birds.

German roaches are nocturnal by nature so seeing one during the day may be an indication of an infestation.

How to prevent German cockroaches:

  1. Wipe down countertops and sweep after eating.
  2. Mop regularly.
  3. Repair water leaks.
  4. Seal cracks and crevices.
  5. Keep food tightly sealed.
  6. Remove items from boxes before bringing into home. Roaches lay eggs on boxes that can fall off in your home and hatch.
  7. Hire a professional.

Once an infestation has occurred inside the home, it is harder to manage. It could take several monthly treatments to gain control You may not have a dirty home but any crumb or water source is an invitation for roaches and other insects.

Contact Safe Earth Pest Control to start preventative treatments before an infestation occurs. 214-321-2847