Ridding Your Home of Insects

Everything You Need to Know About Residential German Cockroach Infestations

by Ted Miller

If you turned on your kitchen or bathroom light last night and noticed a bunch of small cockroaches scurrying for cover, then you have a roach infestation and are in of immediate treatment. If you don't have any previous experience with roach treatment, the following information will help:

Identify the Type of Cockroaches Present in Your Home

There are three different types of cockroaches currently inhabiting the United States.

They are:

  • German cockroaches
  • American cockroaches
  • Oriental cockroaches

In order to successfully treat a roach infestation in your home, you first need to determine which variety of cockroaches are present. 

If the cockroaches in your home are small, tan colored and have two stripes on the back of their heads, then they are more than likely German cockroaches. This is the most common type of roaches in the United States.

Understand What the German Cockroaches Are Looking for in Your Home

All insects that enter your home are looking for something. Some are looking for a dry place to reproduce. Some are looking for food. Others are searching for water to drink. 

The secret to getting insects out of your home is to figure out what they want and eliminate their access to it. When it comes to German cockroaches, they are in your space looking for water and food. By eliminating their access to these things, you can get rid of your home's roach infestation.

Have the Roach Infestation Professionally Treated

While there are many products on the market you can use to try and kill a roach infestation, most aren't terribly effective for German cockroaches. For this reason, you need to have a local pest control company who offers roach control services come out and treat your home. 

Cockroach infestations are an immediate health hazard and need to be dealt with as such. German cockroaches spread harmful bacteria, carry parasitic worms, and cause allergic reactions for people allergic to their waste products. 

Eliminate Food and Water Sources to Prevent Reinfestation

To prevent future German cockroach reinfestations, you need to eliminate their access to food and water sources in and around your home.

To do so:

  • Keep all of your trash in cans with lids.
  • Vacuum daily.
  • Clean your kitchen daily.
  • Never leave food scraps in sink strainers or garbage disposals.
  • Fix indoor and outdoor plumbing leaks and dripping faucets.

Finally, German cockroaches are very small and can sneak into your home through very small spaces. To keep them out, seal around all windows, doors, and plumbing in your home. For more information about cockroach treatments, contact a pest company such as First Choice Termite and Pest Control, Inc.

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