Have you ever been caught off guard by a cockroach? It is a terrifying and unsettling experience. For some reason, roaches are just scarier than other pests. Maybe it has something to do with their appearance or the way they skitter from floors to walls to ceilings without breaking pace. It might also have something to do with the many dangers they pose to homeowners.
To help you better understand these invasive pests, today we will be talking about the most common cockroach around Chatham County, the German cockroach. Here is everything you need to know.
What Are German Cockroaches?
German cockroaches have perfected the art of invading homes. Known worldwide as the most common home-invading roach, these flat, oval-shaped pests are a reason for serious concern here in Chatham County. To identify one of these invasive insects, look for their light brown to tan, one-half to five-eighths of an inch long body, six barbed legs, long curved antennae, and two black, almost parallel lines located just behind its head.
Why German Cockroaches Invade Area Homes
German cockroaches are among the few pests that prefer living indoors with humans rather than out in the wild for a few reasons.
First, your home provides these pests with a near-infinite amount of food. Even if you keep your living areas spotless, cockroaches can still find their way into your pantry or onto countertops to find scraps to eat.
The second reason cockroaches prefer living indoors is the safety it provides. Unlike in nature, where the weather changes, temperatures rise and fall, and wild animals look for prey to eat, the interior of your home is temperature-controlled, guarded around all sides, and comfortable. These factors make cockroaches happy.
Finally, your home provides cockroaches with the moisture they need, although this really isn’t saying much because all these pests need to stay hydrated is the few droplets of water left in your sink or even down the drain.
The Dangers of German Cockroaches
A German cockroach’s main job in life is to break down dead and or decaying organisms. If you know anything about dead and decaying organisms, you know they are often teeming with disease-causing organisms. Studies show that the German cockroach by itself can carry over thirty-three different kinds of bacteria, seven human pathogens, and six parasitic worms. They spread these sickness vectors around homes here in Chatham County.
Another threat these creepy pests pose is with the skin they shed and dust like fecal matter they excrete. These particular irritants get into the air of homes and trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions in certain individuals.
Six Tips For German Cockroach Control
- Keep up with your landscaping by mowing regularly and trimming vegetation.
- Eliminate sources of standing water around your property and repair leaky pipes and fixtures around your home.
- Fill in gaps, cracks, and holes in your home’s exterior foundation using caulk.
- Address issues with window and door screens, door sweeps, and weatherstripping.
- Pick up and clean out your pet’s food and water bowls before going to bed at night.
- Thoroughly clean beneath kitchen appliances and do your best to keep your home mess-free.
Most people don’t have the time, energy, or desire to prevent cockroaches on their own. If you are looking for a simpler way to deter these pests from your property or a quick solution to get them out, turn to the experts at Prestige Pest Control. We offer comprehensive pest control services for a wide range of pests and ongoing plans to protect your home year-round against invasive species like cockroaches.
Call us today for more details and find the plan that best fits your Chatham County home. Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.