German Cockroaches

What are German cockroaches?

German cockroaches are a type of roach found all across the United States. They're easily distinguishable from American cockroaches because of their small size. German cockroaches reach a length of 3/8 to 1/2 of an inch as adults, making them half the size of other cockroaches. Their color pattern is light brown all over, with twin dark stripes running along their backs. Nymphs, or immature cockroaches, may be darker in color. Like all cockroaches, they have six legs and two antennae. The speed at which they move is also a giveaway when trying to identify the type of cockroach you have in your home.

Are German cockroaches dangerous?

German cockroaches are dangerous to have in your home, as they spread disease and bacteria. Their main diet is made up of garbage, drain slime, and rotting food. Their sticky feet carry bacteria from their food source to all of the surfaces of the home that they touch. This means that as roaches move from your garbage can to your stovetop, they're carrying germs. German cockroaches are also able to transfer diseases from one home to another.

Why do I have a German cockroach problem?

Due to the small size of German roaches, they can hide well. Often, cockroaches are unknowingly moved from one home to another in boxes, luggage, and used furniture. Multi-unit dwellings, such as apartments and condos, are prone to cockroach problems. The proximity of the homes allows cockroaches to scurry from one apartment to another. To do so, they often travel using plumbing pipes and ventilation systems. If your neighbors have a German cockroach infestation, it's likely that you may develop one, as well.

Where will I find German cockroaches?

German cockroaches tend to hide in warm, damp areas around homes. Armed with a bright flashlight, inspect your home beginning with the crawlspace. If you don't have a crawlspace, start in the basement. Check in and around storage boxes, pipes, and other clutter. Next, move to the main floor of your home. German roaches are notorious for infesting kitchens due to the abundance of food stored there. Look behind large appliances such as refrigerators and stoves. Make sure to carefully inspect cabinets and in the backs of drawers. In other spaces around the home, check in and around heavy furniture and along baseboards. Remember that cockroaches can fit into small gaps. Another space to check is behind electrical outlets and ventilation grates.

How do I get rid of German cockroaches?

One of the main problems with removing German cockroaches from homes is the speed at which they breed. For comparison, female American cockroaches can lay up to 16 eggs in two months’ time. German cockroaches, though, can lay a staggering 48 eggs every month. This means that in as little as a year's time, German cockroaches can produce 30,000 new cockroaches. With numbers like these, it's easy to see how just a few missed cockroaches can lead to a new infestation in short order. Cockroaches' small size and their ability to hide means that getting rid of them can be daunting for homeowners. We recommend reaching out to us at RAM Pest Control at the first sign of infestation. Our technicians are on hand to help you find the best residential pest control or commercial pest control plan for your home or business.

How can I prevent German cockroaches in the future?

Here are a few strategies for keeping cockroaches out of your Aspen or Vail home:

• Check for gaps or cracks around the exterior of your home, paying close attention to the foundation of your home, as bugs will commonly enter here.

• Inspect around windows, pipes, and other fittings leading into your home and caulk or seal any gaps found with silicone.

• Consider scheduling a preventative inspection every year to catch infestations early.

• Seal all exterior entrances against bugs. If you don't have weather stripping already installed around your exterior doors, consider doing so. This foam material is inexpensive and stops a variety of small insects from sneaking in.