Most people think there are no differences from one cockroach to another. They are all nasty, disease-carrying pests, so what does it really matter what kind it is? When dealing with cockroaches, it is actually very important to know which species you are dealing with as some cockroaches are more troublesome than others for homeowners; German cockroaches are the most problematic roaches, especially in the summer. These roaches thrive in heat and humidity, and Oklahoma summers give them just that. As a result, German cockroaches become especially problematic for homeowners during the warmer months. It is important to know the steps to protect your home from German cockroach infestations this summer and take action against them!
The first step in protecting your home is to know what you are looking for. German cockroaches are one of the smallest species of cockroaches, reaching only about ½ inch in length, unlike the American cockroach which can grow up to 3 inches. These roaches are most often light brown or tan in color. Their most distinguishing characteristic is the dark, parallel stripes on the top part of their body, just below their head. While German cockroaches do have wings, they rarely fly; instead, they will quickly scurry away from you if disturbed.
German cockroaches are nocturnal, so you are not likely to see them crawling around during the day unless you are dealing with a rather large infestation. These roaches like to live in small, dark areas where they are well protected, such as in cracks, inside cabinets, under sinks, in boxes, in the garbage, or almost anywhere near a food and water source. They will crawl through drains, sewers, your trash, and other nasty places in search of food and shelter. Like we mentioned above, German roaches are most active in the summer months due to their affinity for hot, humid weather conditions.
Because of their habits to crawl through unsanitary places, German cockroaches, like most other types of cockroaches, can spread bacteria that can cause health concerns like diarrhea, food poisoning, dysentery, and more in humans. These roaches can also trigger allergies and cause asthma attacks in some people; this is especially true of the German cockroach as they prefer to reside inside homes.
Keeping a clean home that is free of food debris, excess trash, and clutter is a huge step in preventing German cockroaches. If these pests don't have a cozy place to hide and source of food to eat, they are not likely to invade your home; however, German cockroaches are resourceful, and a void of food does not necessarily mean they will leave your home if they have already invaded. Instead, these roaches will resort to eating things like toothpaste, soap, and even glue!
The professionals at Montgomery Exterminating are experts in dealing with cockroach infestations. Whether you are looking to treat a current infestation or prevent one from occurring, we can help! We offer several residential pest control solutions to help eliminate cockroach infestations. Give us a call to see how we can help rid your home of cockroach problems or to learn more about German Cockroach infestations in Oklahoma.