Everything You Need to Know about German Cockroaches and How to Kill Them
While everyone knows what a cockroach is, the majority of people are completely oblivious of the numerous different cockroach types. In fact, what the majority of people think of as a “standard” cockroach is the German cockroach, the most common type there is. Due to their shape and size, they can squeeze even into the tightest of places and survive even the harshest conditions. In fact, one of the best-known pieces of trivia about cockroaches is that they could even survive nuclear fallout.
The infamous German cockroach has a plethora of negative traits. It’s stinking, unhealthy to have in your home, and wherever it goes, it brings ruins. It’s not an easy bug to get rid of. It’s a very annoying bug and procreates like its life depends on it. But there are a few good principles that can help us have a better understanding of how to kill them once and for all.
So, how does one deal with this resilient creature? Here are a couple of tips.
What causes German roach infestation?
German roaches usually have to be brought from outside. This is why you need to carefully inspect everything you bring indoors. While even newly-bought groceries may be a source of an infestation, it’s more common to experience this due to buying used furniture or electronics. Whenever going for a wood element, you’re increasing the risk. Sometimes, even the choice of timber for your floor may affect the likelihood of future infestation.
As soon as these things get started, you’ll notice some of the earliest signs of infestation. Cockroach droppings are usually described as pepper-like, while staining caused by it appears as dark smears. The most common place where you’ll see them are countertops, drawer contents, tops of doors, cracks and openings into walls, and corners of the room. Other than this, egg capsules (empty egg cases) of a cockroach aren’t that hard to notice. Lastly, you’ll notice a peculiar odour, especially when their population exceeds a certain critical mass.
The situation is very serious, seeing as how cockroaches spread filth and contaminate food (as well as utensils). Pathogens spread by cockroaches are quite serious and put the health of your family at real risk. If not noticed in time, both infestation and its consequences will spread quite rapidly.
Hiring an exterminator
It goes without saying that the most efficient way to kill all German cockroaches in your household is to hire a professional. Now, even amongst specialized agencies, not everyone can boast of the same level of professionalism.
While you can apply some DIY methods that are quite effective, professionals use an insecticide in a much safer manner. This means that after they leave, there’ll be no potentially health-threatening residue for you and your family. Second, they will use an insecticide in various forms, thus ensuring that no one escapes. Lastly, they’ll give you advice on how to prevent reinfestation.
Keep in mind that who you work with makes all the difference. So, make sure to screen your potential partners as thoroughly as possible. This is really the only way for you to make headway for a cleaner and safer home.
DIY methods
Some people try solving this German cockroach infestation on their own, and there are a lot of DIY methods that are known to have an effect. Here, non-toxic and homemade solutions are the safest bet, seeing as how they keep risk low (even if their effectiveness is questionable).
Mixtures with baking soda, diatomaceous earth, borax, and citrus are just some of the methods you might want to try applying. Other than chemical solutions, you might also want to use glue traps, bait stations, or caulk all the entry points.
Now, aside from being quite effective, the best thing about these methods is the fact that it’s affordable and usually require items that you already have in your household. Also, the majority of these substances and tools are non-perishable, which means that you can stock up and use some at a later date.
Prevention
Preventing an infestation is always more efficient than trying to solve the problem once it has already occurred. This is important both before the infestation and after you manage to get rid of German cockroaches.
When it comes to prevention, the best method is definitely keeping your household as tidy as possible. Food, trash, and moisture are the three most appealing things to roaches, which is why you need to dust, vacuum, sweep, and inspect the place on a regular basis.
Now, food storage is another huge issue, especially when it comes to sweet food and storing supplies. Having adequate containers is generally the way to go, but it’s not just about having the right tools; it’s about remembering to use them every single time.
When it comes to the cleanliness of the space, you need to understand that piles of trash serve as a great cover for cockroaches to breed.
Lastly, remember that in order for the infestation to occur in the first place, they need to enter your home from the outside. So, make sure that you notice any potential breaches and seal them with spray foam and caulk.
In conclusion
In the end, cockroaches are persistent, resilient, and generally a major menace for any homeowner. Still, by keeping your home tidy and paying more attention to what you’re getting inside your home, you’re more likely to keep the place cockroach-free. With the above-listed tips on your side, you stand a chance to solve this issue even if the infestation is already on the way.
Just keep in mind that the German roaches problem is a common one, and they have been around for hundreds of years, and from the looks of it, they’re staying for good. But the least we can do is cleanse our home or workplace of them to have a much better quality of life.