Pests come in all shapes and sizes. Some are simply a nuisance, others are destructive and still others are a threat to the health and well-being of humans. Geographic conditions cause some pests to be prevalent in the south while others survive and thrive in the north. And yet, there are still other pests that seem to have a worldwide presence regardless of climate or conditions. The German cockroach is a much-dreaded pest that can be found in just about any corner of the United States.

Are German Cockroaches Dangerous?

German cockroaches are the worst kind of pest. They transmit the bacteria by picking it up from trash and sewer sources and carrying it on their legs and bodies. When they walk around your house or business, scuttle across your floors, or march across your counter, they deliver those germs to you, your family, and potential customers. They can also carry parasites the same way.

Here are some dangers that German cockroaches bring:

Salmonella
E. coli
Allergic reactions or asthma from dried droppings
A terrible, musty smell from the pheromones emitted

You will want to be proactive to prevent the serious illnesses that cockroaches carry. Being proactive begins with understanding how to identify a German cockroach and knowing how to prevent them.

What Does a German Cockroach Look Like?

You can quickly and easily recognize a German cockroach. The light brown or tan color with two black stripes on the pronotum (neck plate) just behind the head is a safe assumption that roaches have moved into your residence. There are about 1/2 - 1 inch long and oval-shaped. While they are equipped with wings, these invaders rarely fly but prefer to run with fast, scurrying movements.

Where do German Cockroaches Hide?

The German cockroach, for the most part, is an indoor pest. While capable of surviving outdoors in tropical climates, the German roach prefers to live inside where there is a warm and humid environment. Here are some common areas where German cockroaches hide:

Kitchens
Lunch areas
Break rooms
Bathrooms
Attics

What do German Cockroaches Eat?

There are multiple sources of food inside a business establishment or a home that are more than adequate to sustain large numbers of German cockroaches. These pesky insects will feed on anything from soap to book bindings and any form of food. The break area or lunch room in a business or a kitchen in the home is a great attraction to roaches, providing ample amounts of food from the dropped crumbs left on the table to the dirty containers thrown in the trash.

How Quickly Does a German Roach Infestation Occur?

To further complicate the infestation of these roaches, they are known for their rapid reproducing abilities. The female roach only needs to mate one time for the continual production of eggs. This one German cockroach will then produce anywhere from 4 to 6 egg sacs during her lifetime with each case of eggs holding approximately 30 to 40 eggs.

This rapid production of the German cockroach can be devastating to a business owner. No client or customer wants to come into a place of business and see nasty, repulsive-looking roaches scurrying around. The presence of German cockroaches will greatly damage the reputation of the business establishment, sending customers to competitors. Immediate action should be taken the moment any cockroaches are seen.

How to Keep German Cockroaches Away

To exclude cockroaches, start by blocking all of their entrances and eliminating their food sources. Keep in mind that they will eat anything, including soap and toothpaste. Some things for you to consider include:

Keep food in airtight containers
Keep floors and trash areas tidy
Immediately clean up any type of spills
Tightly seal window and door frames
Store debris and trash away from your home or business
Fill in all cracks and crevices in your home or business
Check your attic and foundation for gaps
Replace or fix damaged screens and vents
Check around pipes and wires for any entry points

Is Professional Help Needed?

It’s recommended that if you’re dealing with German cockroaches either in your home or in your business that you seek a knowledgeable, professional pest control company. The experience is invaluable when needing to rid your home or business of the German cockroaches that are already there and prevent them from coming back.

Here in South Florida, that trusted professional is Hoffer Pest Solutions. With over 4 decades of local pest control experience, our highly trained and certified specialists stand ready to combat any pest issue you may have, including a cockroach infestation.