At some point, most homeowners have to deal with pest problems. In Concord, the case isn’t any different. Dealing with German cockroaches can be a drag, but there are definitely some preventative tips you can follow to stop it from happening again. Knowing how to identify German cockroaches, understanding the dangers they pose to your health, and learning why getting rid of them is so difficult, are all keys to eliminating them.

In this blog, we explore all of these topics and what Concord pest control company to hire in order to eliminate German cockroaches from your home completely.

How To Identify A German Cockroach

There are several types of cockroaches in the U.S. A common cockroach in Concord is the German cockroach. The German cockroach has specific qualities that are different from other cockroaches, such as:

  • About ½ an inch in size
  • Oval shaped 
  • Light brown to tan
  • Two dark stripes located behind their head
  • Winged, but don’t fly often
  • Prefer humid, warm environments such as the kitchen or bathroom.

Like other cockroaches, you can look out for particular signs of cockroaches in your home to indicate whether or not you have an infestation, such as spotting cockroach exoskeletons, cockroach legs, tan or light brown egg capsules, or seeing the insects themselves. In addition, keep your eye out for cockroach droppings that resemble black pepper. You may also notice a musty smell associated with the German cockroach.

German Cockroaches In Your Home Is A Serious Health Risk

While having cockroaches doesn’t pose a huge property damage risk to your home, it absolutely affects your health and those you live with. German cockroaches carry a number of diseases and bacteria. They pick up these pathogens on their bodies and legs and then spread them around just by walking across surfaces in your house, which can be really dangerous if they get into any food that is left out. You could even end up eating contaminated food and not even know it. Some illnesses they can transmit include salmonella, typhoid fever, dysentery, E. Coli, and giardia.

German cockroaches also pose a health risk for those with asthma and allergies. The pest dander from cockroaches can cause more severe allergies and asthma attacks in those already suffering, in addition to causing allergy symptoms in those who don’t normally have allergies.

Why It Is So Difficult To Get Rid Of German Cockroaches

German cockroaches are nuisance pests to get rid of. They are extremely fast insects, able to travel up to three miles an hour. Another strange cockroach fact is that they can survive up to a week without their heads. So even if you think you’ve killed a cockroach by chopping its head off, it can still travel about your home normally and continue to infest things. German cockroaches can also hold their breath when submerged in water for up to 40 minutes. This fact is important to note as some may try to drown them like other insects. Unfortunately, this won’t work for German cockroaches.

The Pros To Call For Total German Cockroach Elimination

Preventative pest control measures can indeed help to dwindle down your cockroach population, but this will hardly keep them away. Your home is a source of warmth and food for them, just like it is for you. Even if you put your food away in proper storage, clean your house, and keep your trash in secure bins, they will wait for that fateful day that you leave another dish in the sink to come out and feast. Your best bet to get rid of German cockroaches completely is to hire an exterminator. At Peeler Environmental, we take great care in offering safe and effective German cockroach extermination. If you’re a Concord homeowner dealing with a cockroach problem, don’t let the problem persist; call us today.