You might be wondering, "Why a complete guide for German cockroaches? Why not a guide for all of the cockroaches in Lake Worth?" It's because German cockroaches are in a league all their own. This particular species is the worst of all pest cockroaches. They have become so connected to human habitation that scientists are unable to find any wild populations of German cockroaches in the entire world. We think it is fair to give these roaches their own control guide. So, here it is. Everything you should know about German cockroaches if you live in Lake Worth.
Identification
- German cockroaches range in size from ½ to ? of an inch in length.
- They have a light brown to tan coloration and have two black stripes on the back, near the head.
- They share similarities with other cockroaches, such as six legs, spines on the legs and long antennae.
- German cockroaches have stacked wings. These wings are fully functional, but this roach species rarely flies.
- German cockroaches emerge from their eggs as nymphs. These nymphs are small enough to fit through the holes in an electrical outlet.
Distribution
German cockroaches can be found living everywhere in the world except Antarctica. It isn't surprising that we have them here in Lake Worth. While these roaches prefer to live inside man-made structures, in warm climates they can be found living outside as well. Lake Worth temperatures allow these roaches to spread between structures all year long.
There are two ways German cockroaches will get into your home. They may come in from the outside through gaps and cracks, or they can be carried into your home within furniture or a carried item.
Exclusion Tips
- Make sure your exterior doors have working door sweeps and weather stripping. You should have no gaps where light can leak in from the outside. The smallest of gaps can let a German cockroach in.
- Inspect all your door and window frames for holes created by wood-destroying pests and for gaps around the outsides of the frames.
- Make sure your utilities have a good seal around them.
- Use a foundation repair kit to seal up small cracks in your foundation slab.
- These are small roaches, so exclusion alone is not enough. You will also need to alter conditions around the exterior of your home to make it less habitable for German cockroaches, or you can invest in a residential pest control program.
Tips To Prevent Hitchhiking
- Inspect fabric items for black stains or tiny black specks.
- Inspect compressed areas, such as under couch cushions. Look for black stains, black specks, shed skins, oothecae casing, and of course, German cockroaches crawling around.
- Use a debit card, butter knife, or another tool to drag along seams and cracks. This can dislodge skins, casings, or roaches.
- If you have an infested item, don't bring it into your home. It will need to be treated.
Diseases
German cockroaches are drawn to dirty things, such as dumpsters, trash cans, sewers, feces, dead animals, etc. This exposes them to harmful microorganisms. For this reason, they are a vector for many diseases. They are known to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, more than 7 human pathogens, and at least 6 parasitic worms.
If this isn't enough to not want them around, they also aggravate asthma symptoms. Studies have shown that the presence of cockroaches in a structure leads to increased hospitalizations for asthma symptoms, particularly for children.
Tips To Prevent The Spread Of Diseases
German cockroaches can pick up harmful organisms inside your home. The process of protecting yourself is two-pronged.
Sanitation
- Clean your bathroom thoroughly and maintain a clean bathroom.
- Deep clean in your kitchen.
- Clean surfaces before food preparation.
- Clean your cutting board before use.
Keep Roaches Out
- Invest in sealed plastic containers for your food.
- Store your potatoes in a sealed plastic bin.
- Store your toothbrush in a plastic case.
- Get a trash receptacle that has a cover with a good seal if you don't have one already.
Targeted German Cockroach Control
If you consider using control products, such as baits or sprays, there are several facts you should know about German cockroaches.
- Like all cockroaches, German cockroaches are able to adapt and alter their genes to protect them from their environment. When exposed to chemicals, they create skins that are more tolerant. When exposed to food sources that kill them, their taste receptors change to reject that flavor.
- Many German cockroaches are born with a resistance to certain synthetic pest control products.
- Some German cockroaches have been found to have an aversion to the sweet substance used in cockroach baits and have developed an aversion.
When targeted products are needed, it is best to invest in professional cockroach control. For assistance with this in Lake Worth, contact Above and Beyond Pest Control. Our team can help you arrest a current infestation and/or help you prevent infestations. Reach out to us today for immediate assistance. We also offer reliable commercial pest management.
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