What Are German Cockroaches?
German cockroaches (Blatella germanica) is part of a large family of roaches that dates back 300 million years and can be found all over the globe. The German cockroach is more of an urban dweller. German cockroaches in the U.S. are found in homes, businesses, apartments, and restaurants. This guide will help you understand German cockroaches and how you can get rid of them.
Where Do German Cockroaches Look Like?
The German cockroach is long and light brown. Their tan-colored bodies can reach up to 1/2 inch to 5/8 inches long. The German roach is much smaller than its American cousin. The German roach has wings, but they are aesthetic. American cockroaches can fly. German roaches cannot fly. The most distinctive feature of the German cockroach is the pair of dark brown or black colored lines that run down the back of its body.
The German cockroach is pervasive because of its small size, quick reproduction, and superior ability to adapt to a wide variety of conditions. German cockroaches begin to reproduce quickly, and their egg capsules have more eggs. The American cockroach can produce up to 16 eggs in a single capsule while the German cockroach can produce nearly 50 eggs in a single capsule, and the nymphs have a higher chance for survival because the female carries the capsule with her while the eggs are developing.
Why Are German Cockroaches Often Found In Commercial And Residential Kitchens?
German cockroaches are usually found in commercial and residential kitchens for one reason: unlimited food and water supply. German cockroaches are small, which allows them to hide better than most. German cockroaches prefer warm and humid spaces. Your kitchen is full of these areas. Roaches stow away under dishwashers, under stoves, and behind appliances. When night falls, German roaches seek out food undetected.
German cockroaches eat any morsels they can find on the floor and unopened in cabinets. Even the cleanest kitchen can have crumbs hidden under appliances and shoved in corners that can attract German cockroaches and keep providing them with a reason to stay and make a family.
Are German Cockroaches Dangerous?
German cockroaches do not bite or sting, but they are dirty and spread disease. German cockroaches have been linked to extensive health outbreaks in the US. Cockroaches are known to carry as many as 33 different types of bacteria. That’s not all. German roaches spread parasitic worms and damaging human pathogens. In children and adults with respiratory issues, German cockroaches can induce asthma attacks and trigger allergic responses.
Does Innovative Pest Control Exterminate German Cockroaches?
When you need to eliminate German cockroaches from your home, business, or restaurant, Innovative Pest Control has the experience and tools to get rid of the dirty travelers. Innovative Pest Control isn’t only good for extermination. The experts are knowledgeable about prevention and control techniques as well so you don’t have to battle another expensive roach infestation. To find out what cockroach control and extermination services Innovative Pest Control offers or to schedule an appointment for your Tyler, Flint, Jacksonville, Mineola, Lindale, or East Texas home or business, give us a call today!
German Cockroach Prevention Tips
To prevent a German cockroach invasion in your home, business, or restaurant, you must do the following often:
- Seal windows and doors by repairing weather-stripping and applying caulk.
- Replace old, broken windows.
- Inspect boxes and bags before bringing into your kitchen.
- Vacuum, mop, and dust often.
- Clean up spilled food and crumbs.
- Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink or on the counters overnight.
- Store food in sealed bags and air-tight containers.
- Remove dirty recyclables from your home.
Call the East Texas pest control experts at Innovative Pest Control today to find out how you can prevent German roaches and eliminate them for good.
