In the midst of worrying about termites gnawing on our home’s foundation, and mice scurrying around in our attic, it’s easy to forget about another pesky intruder, cockroaches. Among the various types of cockroaches out there, the German cockroach stands out as a notorious troublemaker. Because of its significant ability to invade homes, we’ve written this blog post to help you face these uninvited guests in their kitchen.
In our previous blog post on the most common type of roaches in America, we touched upon German cockroaches a little. But today, we will talk about them in more detail, and provide you with ways to get rid of them.
Identifying the Culprits: German Cockroaches
Before we delve into the eradication methods, let’s get to know this pest a little bit better. While you may assume that in the United States, the American cockroach would be the most common in the country, that’s just not the case. In fact, German cockroaches are the most common species of cockroach in the U.S., and can be found worldwide!
German cockroaches are small, light brown insects with distinctive black stripes on their backs. They are nocturnal creatures who thrive in warm, humid environments such as kitchens and bathrooms. Being able to identify these pests accurately is the first step toward their successful eradication.
Here are some characteristics at a glance:
- They are about ½ inch in size, smaller than the other types of cockroach
- German cockroaches are usually brown or dark brown
- Though they are small in size, they are aggressive when it comes to reproduction, and baby German cockroaches can multiply rapidly
- They prefer moisture-prone areas
Signs of a German Cockroach Infestation: Unveiling the Telltale Traces
Unpleasant Odor:
One of the initial signs alerting you to a potential German cockroach infestation is the presence of a distinctive, pungent odor that permeates your kitchen. This musty smell is a result of the chemicals released by the roaches and their droppings.
Droppings:
German cockroach droppings are small, dark, and granular, resembling ground coffee or black pepper. These tiny feces are often found in concentrated areas where the roaches gather
Nightly Sightings:
German cockroaches are nocturnal creatures, preferring to remain hidden during the day and becoming active at night. If you spot these resilient pests scurrying in the dark corners of your kitchen when you turn on the lights, it’s a clear and alarming indication of an infestation.
How To Get Rid Of German Cockroaches
Now that you know how to identify German cockroaches, it’s time to get them out of your house for good.
Here are the ways in which you can get rid of these pests:
Perform A House Inspection
Trying to eliminate German cockroaches begins with a meticulous and systematic inspection. This step involves a thorough evaluation of every nook and cranny in your living space, focusing particularly on your kitchen, which is typically their favorite place in a house. Armed with a keen eye, start by examining areas where these resilient pests thrive, such as cracks in walls, gaps around windows and doors, and hidden corners of cabinets. Don’t overlook appliances and plumbing fixtures, as roaches often seek refuge in warm, damp environments.
Starve Them Out
One of the ways you can curb an infestation is to prevent the cockroaches from reaching your food. In the relentless battle against German cockroaches, cutting off their food supply is a tactical move that strikes at the heart of their survival.
Now you know these small creatures feed on tiny crumbs so you need to be pretty vigilant.
- Begin by practicing proper food storage. Store all food items in airtight containers, denying the roaches easy access to their primary sustenance
- Make regular cleaning a potent weapon by wiping down surfaces, sweeping diligently, and moping your kitchen floors with meticulous care. This should eradicate even the tiniest crumbs that might attract these pests.
- Additionally, maintaining a strict regimen of emptying and cleaning your kitchen trash bins is non-negotiable.
Not only do you need to worry about food, you need to do the same thing when it comes to water as well. Cockroaches, like all living creatures, need water to survive. Any leaks under sinks and appliances create the perfect environment for them. Therefore, it’s essential to promptly fix any leaks you find. Regularly inspect your kitchen for damp areas as well.
Seal Off Gaps
To keep German cockroaches out, seal any openings around windows, doors, and pipes by using caulk. You don’t want to forget about gaps beneath doors either, so use weatherstripping to block them completely. By doing this, you make it impossible for roaches to sneak in. Closing these entry points forces the roaches to find a new home outside your kitchen. Remember, attention to these small details is your best defense.
Use Natural Repellents: Harnessing Nature’s Power
If you do not want to use chemical methods to repel cockroaches, then natural ones are a perfect option to bolster your defense against German cockroaches. Citrus peels, with their refreshing aroma, are a natural enemy of roaches. Place them in potential hiding spots, as roaches can’t stand the smell.
Bay leaves also emit an aroma that roaches detest. Strategically placing bay leaves in your kitchen acts as a deterrent, making your space less inviting for these intruders.
By harnessing the power of these natural elements, you create an environment that actively repels roaches, discouraging them from making your kitchen their home.
DIY Traps: Tricking the Intruders
Another way in which you can stop a cockroach infestation is by creating DIY traps that lure and capture roaches.
Boric Acid Trap
Boric acid, when mixed with sugar, forms a deadly concoction for roaches. They are attracted to the sugar but are killed by the boric acid upon consumption. Strategically place these baited traps in areas where roaches frequent.
Duct Tape Trap
Additionally, a simple yet effective trap involves duct tape placed sticky-side up. Roaches, in their haste, get trapped when they walk over it. This clever trap exploits their quick movements, making it a highly efficient way to capture and eliminate these pests.
By setting up these traps, you actively deceive and capture roaches, diminishing their numbers and ensuring your kitchen remains a roach-free zone.
Professional Pest Control: Your Ultimate Solution
If the German cockroach infestation persists despite your efforts, it’s time to call in the professionals. Pest control experts have access to potent chemicals and techniques that guarantee complete eradication. Their specialized knowledge ensures a thorough assessment of your situation, leading to swift and effective action.
Jamison Pest and Lawn: Your Trusted Pest Control Experts
As we can see, getting rid of a German cockroach infestation is not an easy task, and to ensure that they are gone for good, hiring a pest control specialist is essential. If your home is infested, look no further than the team at Jamison Pest and Lawn; your premier pest control experts in Tennessee.
Our team has over 77 years of experience and uses top of the line methods to get roaches out of your home. Contact us today at (901) 452-1505.
