There are over 70 species of cockroaches found in the United States and chances are if you have encountered cockroaches in your home or in a commercial area you have come in contact with a German cockroach. German cockroaches are one of the most common species of cockroach in America and can be found where humans reside often congregating in large numbers around abundant food and water sources such as restaurants, food processing factories, nursing homes, hotels and motels, and many other public places.
German Cockroach Identification
The adult German cockroach can be recognized by its light brown to tan coloring with two dark brown stripes running parallel along its back. They are oval shaped and range in size from ½”-5/8” long. The females have a tendency to be darker in color than the males. Although German cockroaches have wings, they very rarely use them to fly. Instead, they prefer to use their six legs to scurry away when disturbed. The nymphs (adolescents) are dark brown in color with the same dark stripes as the adults.
Signs of a German Cockroach Infestation
The German cockroach thrives in warm areas that are close to food and water. In homes and business they can be found frequenting kitchens and bathrooms. Telltale signs of an infestation include small dark spots of droppings that resemble pepper inside drawers and on countertops. Other signs include fecal staining or smears of fecal matter around small cracks and crevices, and corners of rooms. Many home owners report a mild musty odor which is most often associated with large numbers of cockroaches (infestation).
List of Diseases Caused By Cockroaches
Because cockroaches tend to reside in moist areas they can often be found in and around sewers, drains, and toilets when they pick-up germs and filth on their legs which are transferred to your kitchen counters and other food surfaces. When contaminated food is consumed it can make you and your family members very sick. In fact cockroaches have been known to spread as many as 33 different kinds of bacteria, including Salmonella, and E.coli, parasites, and various human pathogens. Salmonella bacteria symptoms range from mild to severe and can include stomach ache, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe causes can also cause dehydration which may require a stay in the hospital. In extreme cases, Salmonella bacteria can spread to the bloodstream where it can cause a deadly infection.
How to Get Rid of German Roaches
The best way to prevent German cockroaches from taking a hold on your home or business is to practice good hygiene and sanitation. Make sure you keep your kitchen area clean by removing crumbs, wiping up spills, sweeping floors, and vacuuming carpets and rugs. Never leave stacks of dishes in your sink, instead scrape any stuck on food and rinse them immediately if you don’t have time to wash them. Seal all entrances, cracks, and crevices around utility pipes and plumbing.
German Cockroach Pest Inspections, Control, Management & More in Aliante, Centennial Hills, Cimarron Springs, Desert Shores, Iron Mountain Ranch, Lone Mountain, Mountain Shadows, Peccole Ranch, Skypointe, Summerlin, Summerlin South, The Lakes, West Sahara & Greater Northwest Las Vegas, NV
If you find cockroaches in your home or business, contact the knowledgeable experts at Pre-Empt Pest Control for positive identification of species and professional pest control services.
