Perhaps no other pest embodies filth and disease more than the cockroach. These resilient bugs are found in some truly disgusting places and are often associated with rundown apartments and seedy restaurants. But the truth is, anybody can get cockroaches, no matter how clean they may be. So, if you’re worried about roaches infesting your home or business, here’s what you need to know about dealing with German cockroaches in Salado.
What Are German Cockroaches?
German cockroaches are the most common cockroaches to infest property in the U.S. These troublesome insects typically measure between 1/2 to 5/8 inch in size. Like other cockroaches, they have a flat, oval-shaped body with six legs and long antennae. German cockroaches can be identified by their light brown coloration and pair of dark stripes running parallel down their back.
German cockroaches are highly successful pests that inhabit homes and businesses alike. Of all the cockroaches that can infest your property from American cockroaches to Oriental cockroaches, German cockroaches are considered to be the worst.
Their small size combined with their fast movement speed and durable, crush-resistant shape make them a difficult pest to kill. German cockroaches can easily skitter into small spaces out of your reach and are even resistant to certain pesticides. They are prolific breeders and infestations can grow exponentially. Female German cockroaches can lay up to 40 eggs at a time, which develop into adults in about two months.
Like other property-invading roaches, German cockroaches are attracted to food and moisture, making kitchens and bathrooms popular hangouts. They can enter through openings around your property or maybe brought in hitchhiking in bags or boxes.
Problems German Cockroaches Cause
Having cockroaches on your property presents a host of problems. Namely, they spread disease and contaminate everything in their path. Cockroaches frequent some truly gross places in search of food, like dumpsters and toilets, and they carry the pathogens they pick up with them. German cockroaches are known to transmit diseases like dysentery, salmonellosis, gastroenteritis, and more.
In certain cases, cockroaches are also known to trigger allergies. The saliva, droppings, and sheddings of cockroaches can cause irritation and, in severe cases, can cause an asthmatic reaction. But perhaps worst of all, German cockroaches cause stress.
As we mentioned, German cockroaches are difficult to get rid of. Their persistence can make life stressful, affecting relationships, work, and sleep. The stigma of having cockroaches is tough to bear, and it can often seem that nothing can get rid of these resilient bugs.
How To Prevent German Cockroaches
The good news is, with a few simple adjustments, you can make your property less attractive German cockroaches and help to keep them away:
- Clean up – Make sure that areas, where you eat and prepare food, are cleaned thoroughly. Mop and vacuum floors often and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
- Mind your garbage – All garbage should be kept in a receptacle with a tight-fitting lid. Trash should be taken out regularly, and if possible, stored away from the property.
- Close off entrances – Look for cracks and gaps around your property, especially around the foundation and plumbing. Seal openings with caulk. Also, consider replacing faulty weather stripping and door sweeps.
- Use better storage – German cockroaches can easily slip into packages of food. Store pantry items in secure plastic, metal, or glass containers with tight-fitting lids.
The real secret for keeping German cockroaches away from your Salado property is with the help of expert pest control services like White Knight Pest Control. With both comprehensive pest control plans and targeted one-time treatments available, we can get rid of the roaches in your home or business and keep them from coming back. Get in touch with us today.