Cockroaches are a common pest found in residential and commercial buildings. German cockroaches are rather dedicated invaders as they seek shelter from intense storms, winter cold, or predators. German cockroaches will constantly look for food and a safe place to lay their eggs. For those who find they are constantly seeing German cockroaches, know that this is a sign of an infestation. A-Tex Pest Management will share how to identify and control German cockroaches and when to seek professional assistance.
German Cockroach Infestation
German cockroaches thrive in both urban and rural environments, and can quickly infest an area. German cockroaches mature from egg to adult within weeks. Cockroach females develop an ootheca or egg capsule that contains between 40 to 60 eggs at one time. German cockroaches love damp and humid climates and given the right conditions, populations will explode. When German cockroaches invade indoors they are drawn to the kitchen or bathrooms. German cockroaches will feed on glue, paper and human foods. German cockroaches can easily thrive inside homes and other human structures if left unattended.
German Cockroach Egg, Nymph & Adult Identification
German cockroaches are easily identified. They are a shiny bronze color with two vertical stripes going down from their head starting at the eyes. The German cockroach can grow up to 5/8 of an inch in length and have wings. Even though German cockroaches do have wings, they don’t use them to fly. The nymphs are darker, almost most black in color. You can still see their distinctive stripes even as nymphs. Egg capsules are light tan in color and can be as long as an adult German cockroach.
Signs of German Cockroaches
When German cockroaches or their egg capsules are discovered in your home or in a commercial building, it is a sign of an infestation. German cockroaches often hide and look for semi-excluded areas to feed and reproduce. If you are seeing cockroaches or their egg capsules, this means they are expanding away from their shelter. When signs of an infestation emerge, it is recommended to seek professional pest control services. This is due to cockroaches resilience to a number of pesticides. Therefore, it often requires professional-grade pest products to control cockroaches.
How to Prevent German Cockroaches
When there is an infestation in your home or building, make sure to seek professional pest control services. However, there are steps you can take as well to help control cockroaches in your home. Start by cleaning! Cockroaches love clutter outside as well as inside. The cleaner the outside and inside the home is, the fewer pests, including cockroaches, you will have. Next, secure your home. Make sure cockroaches can’t enter your home. Close off potential access points. Focus is the doors and windows. Cover attic vents, dryer exhaust vent, and chimneys. Cockroaches, including German cockroaches, will use plumbing lines to travel through homes. Cover the drains not only to help prevent clogs but to keep cockroaches out of your home.
Cockroach Inspections, Control, Removal & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
If you need help controlling cockroaches and other local pests, contact A-Tex Pest Management and schedule our services today.