What Huntsville Property Owners Ought To Know About German Cockroaches
January 29, 2021
Sometimes, the smallest problems end up being the hardest ones to solve. “Where do you want to go for dinner?” can sometimes turn into a long, troublesome conversation that doesn’t end well. Or maybe it’s, “How do you like this outfit?” That one can take a bad turn quickly as well. When it comes to pests, the same issues can arise. Typically, small problems can be very difficult to contain. That’s why German cockroaches are one of the most common home invaders in our area, and one of the hardest pests to keep out.
Tiny Pests, Huge Health Concerns
While German cockroaches are the smallest of any cockroach species in the United States, they can be one of the biggest headaches to homeowners in the region. They’re only about 1/2 inch in length, which actually allows them more opportunity to get into your home by squeezing through small cracks and crevices. Most roaches can’t get into places that German cockroaches can, so they’re a threat to your stored food supplies if they wind up in your kitchen. However, your stored food is the least of your worries if you end up with a large infestation.
German cockroaches prefer to hang out in the most highly contaminated areas in Huntsville, including our sewers, dumpsters, and landfills. When they wind up in your home, they’ll transfer bacteria and pathogens to your furniture, your stored food, and, most concerningly, your food preparation areas. As they move around, they’ll also secrete a pathogen that has been known to cause allergic reactions in adults and children. With severe health risks like salmonellosis and E.coli on the line, German cockroach infestations need to be handled quickly.
Proper Prevention Practices
Unfortunately, these pests can be very difficult to get rid of on your own. With their small size and strong, flexible exoskeletons, they can squeeze out of danger and avoid detection for a long time. Most homeowners don’t even know the severity of the infestation until a pest control technician assesses the situation.
Since keeping them out of your home can be very difficult, you’ll want to focus on prevention; namely, limiting the factors that reduce their attraction. By adhering to the following guidelines, you can reduce your chances at incurring a German cockroach infestation:
- Regular cleaning habits: By vacuuming, mopping, and wiping down counters/tables, you’ll reduce the crumbs lying around your house, which are a great source of food for roaches. Leaving dishes in the sink overnight will attract them very quickly, so clean up after your meals.
- Prompt and proper food/trash storage: Any leftovers need to be stored in tightly secured containers with non-accessible lids. Your trash should be put in a receptacle that does not allow for insect entry.
- Control moisture issues: since German cockroaches thrive in damp, dark environments, moisture buildup will attract them quickly. You’ll want to use a dehumidifier in the basement and ensure that you monitor your pipes closely for leaks. Manicuring the lawn properly can also decrease moisture buildup in the yard that attracts them onto the property in the first place.
- Seal up potential entry points: you won’t be able to get them all, but you can give yourself a chance. Add caulking to windowsills and other cracks/crevices in the foundation and be sure to add new weatherstripping under exterior doors where needed.
Now, keep in mind that these are just suggestions. We can’t guarantee that anything you do on your own will work when trying to prevent German cockroaches. However, we can guarantee that what we have to offer will work; the best way to prevent or get rid of German cockroaches is with professional assistance. Call Custom Pest Control today to find out how we can keep your home and family safe from any and all pests.