Guide to German Cockroaches in Washington DC

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German Cockroach

Many of the survival requirements of cockroaches can be found in a typical home. These include warmth, high humidity, and food and water sources. Cockroaches evolved as scavengers of decaying plant materials and will therefore readily feed on carbohydrates and a variety of other synthetic substances including paints, wallpaper pastes, and even book bindings. Homes also provide shelter to cockroaches and a multitude of warm and humid nooks and crannies where they can rest and nest.

Cockroaches carry and can spread more than 40 varieties of bacteria, germs, parasitic worms, and other human pathogens. They easily transmit many different germs from crawling across unsanitary areas like bathroom floors, rodent nesting areas, and even sewage, rotting food, and garbage.

Signs of German Cockroaches

Since cockroaches prefer to stay in the dark, they could be living in your home for months before you detect their presence. One of the most common types of cockroaches we see in our area is the German cockroach. This variety of cockroach is light brown, winged, and typically 1/2″ to 5/8″ long. These cockroaches also feature two dark stripes running down their backs.

German cockroaches can be found everywhere in the United States. As long as they have access to food and warmth, they’re there to stay unless you contact a professional pest control service. Even with your best cleaning efforts, German cockroaches won’t likely leave your abode once they’ve arrived without some extra help.

What Is a German Cockroach?

The most common species of cockroach worldwide, the German cockroach can be identified by the following physical features:

  • Six legs
  • Wings
  • Long antennae
  • A body length of 1/2″ or slightly more
  • Two parallel dark stripes running down the cockroach’s back
  • Light brown or tan coloration
  • An ovular shape

German cockroaches are commonly found in dark corners and crevices of homes and facilities where food is present. Another definitive characteristic is their fast scurry, and they rarely fly despite having wings.

How Do German Cockroaches Get in Your Home?

As with any type of cockroach, German cockroaches typically enter homes through cracked doors and windows, cracks in your home’s foundation and walls, sewer pipes, and any other crevices that lead to kitchens and other areas where they can smell food. Quite often, German cockroaches will even “hitchhike” into homes through bags, packages, and clothing brought inside.

The likelihood of German cockroaches entering your home decreases when you find and seal possible entry points. But if they’re already in your home, you’re going to need a pest control specialist’s help to get rid of them.

What Are Signs of German Cockroach Infestations?

Fortunately, most signs of German cockroach infestations are fairly obvious to catch. Typically, the signs of infestations include:

  • The sight of one or more German cockroaches
  • Droppings with a “peppered” appearance
  • Fecal staining in room corners
  • A slight musty odor if the German cockroaches are present in large numbers

If you see any of the above signs, you should contact a pest control service as soon as possible, as German cockroaches are notorious for harboring disease.

Are German Cockroaches Hard to Get Rid of?

The ease of getting rid of German cockroaches depends on the numbers inhabiting your home. Some pest control experts may need several visits to take care of the problem and help you seal any cockroach entry points. You can prevent German cockroach infestations by practicing good sanitation in your home, which includes putting food away, keeping crumbs off of floors and counters, vacuuming, not leaving dishes out, and wiping up moist areas.

If you think you may have a German cockroach infestation in your home, reach out to Senate Termite and Pest Control today.

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