Steps to Control the German Cockroach Population

The German cockroach, as well as the American cockroach, can become a real problem if ignored,  these pests are common and can be found in homes, building structures, around garbage storage areas among garden plants, around the sewage area, etc… because of this roach issues should not be ignored even if one roach shows up it should become a matter of concern. Because roaches multiply so quickly they can grow into a population that can cause health issues.

Besides their excrement that is sicking roaches also give off a foul odor and have been known to spread diseases such as streptococcus, salmonella, staphylococcus, E.coil, cholera, etc… they also harbor viruses such as the polio virus. German roaches will introduce bacteria and viruses from their bodies in their feces that can lead to dysentery, food poisoning, and diarrhea. It is believed that cockroaches contribute to triggering asthma.

There are about 4,600 species of cockroaches and in this group, the German cockroach is the most common house roach and the most difficult to control. A “single female German cockroach can produce 35, 000 new roaches and if control measures are not put in place this staggering number will continue to increase. Below we will be taking a closer look at the German Cockroach and how to bring control.

Where to Look

German cockroaches are small measuring between 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch in length light brown or tan, they have 2 distinctive black stripes running horizontally down behind their heads. The German cockroach has wings but they rarely fly. Instead, they run very quickly wherever they go.

German cockroaches prefer places that are warm dark and humid especially if these conditions are near a food source, they can often be found under sinks, laundry rooms, inside cupboards, hinges, cabinet doors, under appliances, under refrigerators, the upper interior corners of cabinets, cracks and behind walls. Their pellets or excrement that resembles ground pepper or coffee grounds may be seen.

The use of a chemical flushing agent will temporarily drive cockroaches from hiding places so you can recognize their active harborages.

Preventive Measures

1. Outside Sanitation

A yard or outdoor environment that is kept untidy with garbage and other debris will attract rats, flies roaches, and other pests these pests although outdoors will seek an entry point into your home or building structure. The first step in keeping pests away is to discourage them from your yard which means ensuring that the outside garbage area is kept clean, this means making sure daily that your outdoor environment is tidy.

2. Indoor Sanitation

Keeping your indoor living space clean is just as important, remember rodents and insect pests have one thing in common, they all seek out a food source, a water source, shelter, and a place to raise their young. Take away these sources and you will have no issue. Make sure that areas of the home where meals are prepared and consumed are clean of food particles, when cleaning your kitchen don’t only clean the top of the stove surface but get inside the stove and do some spring cleaning as well.

The stove top may be cleaned but one thing to keep in mind is that as foods are prepared particles will get inside of the stove so it’s good to, if possible lift up the stovetop and remove food particles that are found inside.

The oven should be clean as well, also clean alongside the back of the stove, don’t forget that food particles can get in areas alongside the refrigerator so check these areas also. Microwaves, toasters, and other appliances where foods are handled should be clean. Keep indoor areas clean and clear of clutter because German roaches love clutter to use as a hiding place or haven.

3. Exclusion

This plays a huge role in keeping pests outdoors, once a roach finds an entry point it will enter your home some of these entry points are under doors, through torn door and window screens, cracks in the exterior wall, cracks in the foundation, openings in the wall where plumbing and electrical pipes run, through plumbing drains. Bundles of wood that are brought inside if you have a fireplace should be inspected because a roach/ roaches may get indoors this way, Boxes, containers, plant pots that are brought indoors, etc. are just a few entry points for German cockroaches.

Once entry points are discovered for example the screens should be repaired, and cracks in the foundation can be sealed with silicone-base caulk, for larger gaps concrete patches or expandable foam can be used. This is just an example of many that can be used to seal entry points. The goal is to seal off any entry point from German roaches getting indoors.

4. Tightly Sealed Containers and Food Packages

Ensure that dry foods are kept in tightly sealed containers or if dried foods are kept in packages make sure that the packages are not torn or have any holes, the packages should always remain tightly sealed.

6. Repair Broken or Leaky Water Sources

Roaches also seek out a water source,  if any indoor pipes are leaking water fix those pipes immediately to cut off all water sources. Remember to clean up all water spills, don’t allow standing water to remain in containers.

7. Trash Can with a Tightly Fitted Cover

Indoor trash cans should be tightly sealed because the odor that comes from your trash can attract roaches, trash cans that have a lid in good repair will discourage roach invasion.

8. Keep Your Home and Kitchen Clean

Make sure that your home is clean at all times, especially of food particles, clean grease from the stove, and don’t allow dirty greasy dishes to remain in the kitchen sink. Wash them right away after use.

9. Used Furniture

Inspect used furniture and appliances before bringing them indoors because German cockroaches may be hitchhiking and brought indoors this way.

10. Dry Sinks and Tubs

Because roaches and other  indoor pests are attracted to moisture make sure that your tubs and sinks are kept dry when not in use

Note: It is best to consider calling first a professional company to do the job for you.

  The Use of Insecticides and Roach Baits

To bring control use roach gel baits for example invest in gold cockroach roach gel, and Adivon cockroach insecticide gel bait, these baits can be placed behind appliances, kitchen counters, cabinets, and drawers. You only need to apply a pea-size drop. Make sure that these baits are out of the reach of kids and pets, for safety gel can be placed into a roach bait station.  The use of a non-repellent insecticide such as Alpine WSG mixed with IGR (insect growth regulator) Tekko Pro. Apply in areas where German cockroach was seen. Monitor your success by placing monitor traps in places where roach activity is suspected. Inspect the monitor traps once a week for new activity.

If German cockroaches are still active repeat the process in 14 days. If food and trash are accessible to roaches they may avoid the bait and use foods that are left out so remember to cut off all food sources for roach baits to work.

Conclusion

The German cockroach can become a real issue and should be dealt with right away, don’t give these roaches a chance because of the danger they present, if you have a German roach problem then call in a professional. We can help you to get rid of these roaches that can cause so much damage through food contamination and being a health risk. Contact us today and let us help you to create an environment that is free of roaches.