Practical Tips To Keep German Cockroaches Out Of Your Home

If you have ever gone looking for tips on how to get rid of cockroaches, or how to prevent them from getting into your home, you may have experienced a little bit of information overload. Some of these informational videos or websites require a special college degree to understand what you are looking at. So, this article was written so you could have a simple, easy-to-understand list of practical tips any homeowner can implement in order to keep German cockroaches out.

First off, what is a German cockroach? While this insect has the word "German" in its name, it does not actually come from Germany. It is more likely that this species of cockroach originated in Asia. But, when considering the problems it causes, this is irrelevant, because it is now found in every area of the world.

A German cockroach is a flat, oval-shaped bug with 2 sets of wings, 2 antennae, and 6 legs. Its rounded wings stack on the top of its back and it is tan in color with 2 dark brown parallel stripes on the back of its head. On its legs are tiny, thorn-like tactile spines, but they are so small they are hard to see. An adult German cockroach only grows to be around 13-16 mm in length.

Steps To Keep Control These Cockroaches Out

In Your Yard

• Make sure all of your exterior trash cans are tightly sealed. The smell of trash, and access to it, will attract cockroaches.
• Don't leave any leftover barbecue, or pet food, or birdseed, or any other source of food for cockroaches around the outside of your home.
• If you have a compost pile, keep it well away from your home.
• Dry up any areas of wetness, or moisture. Make sure your gutters are working properly, trim back bushes and shrubs, etc, so that air and sunshine can get in to dry things out. And fix any leaky spigots or other water leaks you may have around your property.
• Remove areas of weed overgrowth. Cockroaches and other pests love to hide in weeds.
• Remove any unnecessary lawn clutter. Roaches and other pests use these to hide as well. Also, lawn clutter is often a place where water collects, thus giving pests a place to drink. It also gives mosquitoes a place to breed.
• Seal up any gaps and cracks on the outside of your foundation or outer walls.

In Your Home

• Repair leaky pipes, sinks, etc. And, dry out areas that weep or sweat (such as toilets) using a fan or dehumidifier.
• Thoroughly clean your kitchen and other places where food is present. Pay attention to areas that are often neglected, such as under toasters and between the side of the stove and the counter. Cockroaches love squeezing into tight places and getting the gunk that has been sitting there for months.
• Wipe out cupboards, drawers, and cabinets to remove any food sources.
• Always wash dishes, or place them in a sink full of soapy water instead of leaving them on the counter.
• Seal all food in the refrigerator or in tightly sealed containers.
• Vacuum thoroughly, especially where food may be present. Don't forget underneath couch cushions and under beds.
• Only feed pets at mealtimes, otherwise, pick up the pet food and store it away.