German Cockroach Identification & Prevention

German cockroaches are on the smaller end of the spectrum of cockroaches that invade American homes. However, this doesn't mean they are a small problem. These roaches are tan to light brown and have two parallel dark stripes running from the base of their head to the start of their wings. This makes them easily distinguishable from other types of cockroaches you may see in your home.

Like other types of cockroaches, German cockroaches are dangerous because of the germs they spread. The diseases cockroaches carry run the gamut from viruses to bacteria to even parasites. Cockroaches contaminate everything they touch, including food and food preparation surfaces. 

They have no compunction about leaving feces and shed exoskeletons right in your food, not to mention the germs they drag in on their filthy feet after they come into your house from the open sewer or garbage dump where they were hanging out before. This is why a cockroach infestation is always a threat to your health.

You wind up with a German cockroach problem for the same reason you end up with any cockroach problem. Cockroaches love to come into human habitations because we have everything they need in spades, and it is a lot easier to get food and shelter from us than it is to get it outdoors, especially in warmer climates where moisture and food can often be scarce. This means if you are not taking serious measures to make it difficult or impossible for cockroaches to get the things they need from your home, German cockroaches will come knocking.

German cockroaches are masters of hiding. This means even if you have a significant infestation, you might not find them anywhere. Not only are they extremely adept at staying out of your way, but they are also nocturnal, which means they are most active when you are asleep.

Given all this, you will need to look for signs of cockroaches instead of expecting to see live ones. These include:

• A foul or musty smell
• Smear marks 
• Roach exoskeletons
• Feces or egg capsules 
• Dead roach bodies

If you start seeing these signs, it's important to contact cockroach control professionals right away to ensure their contamination does not spread. 

German cockroach control is just about the hardest cockroach control to accomplish because German cockroaches breed faster than any other cockroach species that invade U.S. homes. This means every cockroach you eliminate has probably already replaced itself many times over by the time you get to it. If you want to get rid of a whole infestation, there's only one way. 

Here at A-1 Bonded Termite, we have the tools and techniques to get rid of entire German cockroach infestations instead of just reducing your home's German cockroach population. These tough-as-nails and fast-breeding bugs might be able to stand up to store-bought solutions, but they can't stand up to us.

The good news is that while it is extremely difficult to get rid of a German cockroach infestation once you have one, there is plenty you can do to keep cockroaches away:

• Keep all indoor and outdoor garbage covered at all times.
• Fix moisture problems like condensation and leaks.
• Store all pantry foods in airtight containers. 
• Vacuum and wipe surfaces frequently.
• Declutter to eliminate as many cockroach hiding places as possible. 

Just remember that if you wind up with a German cockroach infestation despite your best efforts, you are not alone in the battle to get rid of them. We have your back here at A-1 Bonded Termite.