THE TRUTH ABOUT GERMAN COCKROACHES IN AIKEN

No intruder is a good intruder, but cockroaches are particularly harmful intruders. Although they provide many benefits in nature and are essential to the ecosystem of our planet, cockroaches are a threat when they get inside homes and businesses in our service area. Roaches are attracted to dirty things. They are as at home in a dumpster or sewer as they are in your food storage areas. That is why eliminating these insects should be a high priority. Today, we're going to take a look at the worst pest cockroach in the world. Here's what you should know about German cockroaches.

The Basics of German Cockroaches

German cockroaches have characteristics that help them to do better as indoor pests than other cockroaches. They are small, which allows them to squeeze through tiny gaps, cracks, and holes in building exteriors. They are far more tolerant of dry conditions than other cockroach species. And German cockroaches carry their egg sac with them rather than leave them lying around for you to clean up and remove.

Along with these unique characteristics, German cockroaches share the physical traits that make all cockroach species hard to exterminate. They're built to adapt to, and resist, chemicals found in their environment, tolerate high levels of radiation, and withstand over 900 times their body weight in pressure.

How To Identify German Cockroaches

Because of their unique advantages, German cockroaches are the most common structure-invading roaches in the world. If you're dealing with roaches, there is a high probability that these are the roaches that have gotten into your home or business. You may identify these ½ to ⅝ inch pests by their light brown to tan coloration, oval-shaped bodies, and the two parallel black lines on their backs, just below the head.

To identify a German cockroach infestation inside your property, look for pepper-like spots of fecal matter left on top of countertops, tables, and in the backs of drawers. Also, be on the lookout for fecal staining which most commonly appears as smears or dark spots along the corners of baseboards and the cracks of walls. As your infestation grows, you might also start to notice dead roaches and shed skins lying around.

Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures that prefer to stay hidden from humans. The only time you're likely to see these pests during the day is if there is no space left for them in your walls due to overpopulation and a lack of food supply. When we inspect properties and find even a handful of cockroaches in plain view, we know that there are hundreds, if not thousands, just out of sight.

The Dangers Of German Cockroaches

Often, if a creature is dangerous, you can know it by its appearance. This is not the case with German cockroaches. Sure, they are creepy looking, but no colors or body features suggest they pose any serious threat. It would be nice if cockroaches were as harmless as they look. Sadly, they aren’t. These small pests can carry over 33 different kinds of bacteria, 7 human pathogens, and 6 parasitic worms. As cockroaches crawl throughout homes and businesses, they spread invisible microorganisms to surfaces, silverware, and foods. Cockroaches are also linked to an increase in hospital visits for asthma-related symptoms.

Steps To Prevent Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a thousand times easier to prevent than they are to eliminate. 

If your home or business is currently roach-free, use these tips to reduce your chances of an infestation:

• Trim back bushes and tree branches at least five feet from the exterior of your home or business.
• Clean out your gutters and make sure they are in good working condition.
• Fix leaky pipes and fixtures.
• Use a dehumidifier indoors in areas that are humid.
• Use a caulking gun or liquid cement to fill in gaps, holes, and cracks in the exterior of your home or business.
• Eliminate clutter and debris around your property.
• Thoroughly clean your home or business regularly.
• Store food in sealed containers.
• Invest in professional pest control services.

Keep in mind that, without proper training and knowledge, there is no way to fully exclude cockroaches. Let our service team help you keep German cockroaches and other pests out of your South Carolina property. We can assist you in finding a quality exclusion plan to match your needs and budget. Reach out to us today.