There are thousands of cockroach species in the world. Fortunately, only a handful of them live in the United States. German cockroaches are one of the most commonly encountered species in Nebraska. These roaches routinely infest homes in our area, which makes pest control in Omaha an imperative service for residents.
Read on to learn how to identify German cockroaches, the health risks they pose, and how to prevent and get rid of them for good.
How To Identify German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are light brown with two dark stripes running down the length of their backs. These cockroaches can grow to be 1/2 inch long. Despite their vestigial wings, German cockroaches rarely fly, preferring to run.
Other species, such as oriental or American cockroaches, can sometimes be confused with German cockroaches. However, oriental and American cockroaches both tend to be larger and are shiny black or reddish brown, respectively.
German cockroaches prefer warm, humid environments and are attracted to any place with a food source. These types of cockroaches will feed on anything, including tiny crumbs and even items we would consider inedible, such as glue and soap.
You can tell when a German cockroach infestation occurs when tiny German cockroach droppings are found. Their droppings appear as pepper-like material left in corners and crevices. Additionally, a musty odor is left behind in places where cockroaches have frequented.
If you see German cockroaches or other evidence of an infestation, be sure to contact a pest control company for assistance.
German Cockroaches And Food-Borne Pathogens
German cockroaches gravitate towards places with food and water. Therefore, these cockroaches most often gather in kitchens. German cockroaches crawl through feces, trash, and decaying materials daily. As German cockroaches move through filth, they pick up bacteria and carry them to other surfaces, like your kitchen counter. German cockroaches are known to spread at least 33 different bacteria and six different parasitic worms. When German cockroaches crawl across food or cooking utensils, they contaminate the surface with bacteria that can cause diseases such as salmonellosis, E. coli infection, giardia, typhoid fever, and more. The food poisoning that cockroaches cause can lead to gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Additionally, German cockroaches are known to cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks. The waste that German cockroaches produce is tiny and easily airborne. These droppings can be inhaled and irritate the nose and the lungs. Due to the health risks, it’s important to seek professional cockroach control as soon as you become aware of the infestation.
Step-By-Step Guide To Getting Rid Of German Roaches
It’s very difficult to get rid of German cockroaches once they have infested your home, but there are steps you can take to avoid cockroach problems in the first place. The best way to keep German cockroaches at bay is to employ a few house cockroach prevention methods.
The foundations of cockroach prevention are sanitation and exclusion. Keeping your home clean and secure will go a long way toward deterring German cockroaches. Here are some tips for keeping your home cockroach-free:
- Wipe up crumbs and spills immediately.
- Sweep and mop your floors regularly.
- Vacuum carpets at least once a week.
- Don’t let dirty dishes pile up in the sink.
- Store food securely in sealed containers.
- Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Seal cracks and holes in your home.
- Use weatherstripping and screens on windows and doors.
- Address moisture issues such as leaks or drainage problems.
These tactics will reduce the factors that attract cockroaches and make it more difficult for them to enter your home. However, if you do see signs of cockroaches, contact your local pest control service as soon as possible.
How Professional Cockroach Control Can Help
German cockroach prevention is integral to keeping your Omaha home cockroach-free. However, be sure to contact a professional pest control company if an active German cockroach infestation is already taking place.
Experts in pest control in Omaha, such as Beeline Pest Control, can ensure that your home is thoroughly inspected for cockroaches and other pests. Our inspections identify the source of your pest control woes. Then, we build a customized pest control treatment plan for your home. We offer a pest-free guarantee, so you can rest assured that we will thoroughly solve your roach problem. For a complete and efficient pest control experience you can trust, reach out to Beeline Pest Control!