Nobody wants to see a cockroach in their home. All cockroaches can cause problems for you and your family. However, the German cockroach can be an especially troublesome insect to have around. If you are dealing with German cockroaches in or around your home, HomeShield Pest Control is here to help. We have been providing comprehensive pest control in Vero Beach for years, and we know just what to do to eliminate these filthy insects from your home.
How To Identify A German Cockroach
German cockroaches are some of the most common types of roaches that are found in Vero Beach homes and businesses. Adult German cockroaches can measure anywhere from 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch long. The male German cockroach usually has a light brown body, while the females are usually more of a dark brown color. Both males and females have two dark stripes that run parallel down their backs and start right behind their heads.
This type of cockroach also has a pair of wings on its back. However, they rarely use them to fly. German roaches usually prefer to run, but they can fly short distances.
Why German Cockroaches Are Worse Than Other Cockroaches
German cockroaches are among the worst kind of roaches to have in your home for many reasons. First, they can reproduce at an extremely fast rate. After mating, the female cockroach will lay an egg sac, called an ootheca, that can contain up to 30 cockroach eggs. The female cockroach can reproduce about once every 60 days. Once the nymphs hatch, it only takes about three months to reach full maturity, when they begin the reproduction cycle again.
Another reason why people don't like German cockroaches is that they are difficult to spot. Because this species has a dark brown body, it can be extremely challenging to see if it is hiding in a dark area of your home.
How German Cockroaches Find Their Way Into Homes
German cockroaches can sneak into your home through small cracks and gaps around your doors and windows. They can also travel through your home's drainage pipes, making it especially difficult to get rid of German cockroaches in apartment complexes where the same plumbing connects to each housing unit.
Some of the things that could be attracting the roaches to your home include:
- Food that is easy to get to. Pet food left in your pet's dish all night is a perfect example.
- Standing water. If you have a leaky pipe or faucet around your home, you should get it fixed immediately. Also, water from outdoor potted plants and your pet's water dish can attract roaches to your home as well.
- Warm and safe shelter. Like most insects, roaches do not like cold temperatures. If the outside temperature drops below 65 degrees, a German cockroach will look for a safe, warm place to take cover.
German cockroaches love warm and humid climates. If they get into your home, you'll usually find them hanging out in your basement or bathroom, where there is plenty of humidity.
The Trick To Completely Get Rid Of German Cockroaches In Your House
It can be extremely difficult to get rid of German cockroaches on your own. At HomeShield Pest Control, we use the latest technologies and techniques to eliminate German cockroaches from your Vero Beach home. Give us a call today for a free, no-obligation estimate.