You might think that only the filthiest homes can get cockroaches, but really, even clean and tidy homes can get roaches. Cockroaches can find their way indoors by hitchhiking in boxes and bags or simply by slipping in through cracks under doors and windows.
Roaches can cause a number of problems for homeowners, and if you’ve got German cockroaches, things can be particularly difficult. So, if you’re suffering from roaches in Frisco, here’s how to get German cockroaches out of your Frisco home.
About German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are widely considered to be the worst type of cockroach to infest homes and businesses in the United States. Coincidentally, German cockroaches are also the most common type of cockroaches to infest homes and businesses in the U.S. These nasty pests can be recognized by their flat, oval-shaped bodies with light brown coloration and a pair of dark stripes on the back. On average, German cockroaches measure between 1/2 and 5/8 inches in length — smaller than most other home-infesting cockroach species.
Like most roaches, German cockroaches like to spend their time in some pretty nasty places. They can be found in bathrooms and in garbage bins feasting on all sorts of putrid waste. But really, any humid environment is attractive to roaches, so they can often be found in kitchens and basements, as well.
Why Are German Cockroaches Bad?
Thanks to their unique combination of traits, German cockroaches are especially difficult pests to eliminate. Their small size and flat body shape give them the ability to slip away into out-of-reach areas when threatened. Not to mention, German cockroaches have proven to be resistant to commercial pesticides. So, actually killing one of these gross bugs is harder than you may think.
German cockroaches breed at a rapid rate. A single female roach can lay up to 40 eggs at a time, which will develop into adults in about a month’s time. The longer a German cockroach infestation goes on, the worse it becomes. And these pests aren't just a nuisance, they can be a legitimate hazard to your health.
Cockroaches cause a number of problems for homeowners. First and foremost, they spread disease. German cockroaches spend their time in some highly unsanitary places like dumpsters and toilets, where they pick up a variety of harmful pathogens. As they travel, roaches contaminate surfaces with these pathogens that can cause diseases like dysentery, salmonellosis, gastroenteritis, and more.
In severe infestations, particles from cockroach droppings, shed skin, and saliva can trigger allergies. Asthma and eczema can be caused as a result of cockroach allergies.
How To Prevent Cockroaches
Thankfully, by just keeping up with regular cleaning and sanitation of your home, you can reduce the chances of a cockroach infestation taking root, as well as fending off other common pests like ants and rodents.
- Keep up with housework: Make sure to wipe down the surfaces where you cook and eat after use. Mop, sweep, and vacuum floors as needed to remove food scraps. Never leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
- Take out the trash: Put trash in a receptacle with a tight-sealing lid and dispose of it regularly. If possible, dispose of trash in an outdoor receptacle at least 20 feet away from the house.
- Seal cracks and gaps: Inspect the exterior of your home for any gaps around pipes or cracks in the foundation and seal with silicone caulk. Replace faulty weather stripping and door sweeps.
The best way to deal with a German cockroach infestation is to call the experts at Adams Exterminating Company. We’ve been providing our customers in North Texas with exceptional service since 1947. With three residential pest control plans available, our friendly and professional technicians can provide you with year-round protection from roaches and other common pests in Frisco. Get in touch with us today.