Removing German Cockroaches From Your Florida Home

If you’ve ever spotted tiny cockroaches scurrying around your kitchen late at night, you probably have a German cockroach (blattella germanica) problem at your home. We here at Rodent Solutions have what it takes to kick those unwanted guests to the curb. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about German cockroaches, and what you can do to keep them out of your home or place of business.

Identifying German Cockroaches

German cockroaches are small, light brown bugs with two dark stripes running down their backs. They love hanging out in warm, humid places like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. They typically start off in the kitchen of a home due to the nearby food and water sources. People often confuse them with Asian cockroaches, which have a similar appearance.

If you spot them scurrying around your house, chances are you’ve got some German cockroaches making themselves at home. German cockroaches are not able to fly, although the adults do have wings. They are quick and avoidant of humans, so you may see them running around your kitchen counters when they notice you.

Female German cockroaches are usually bigger than males, and the females are bigger around the abdomen area as well. The females lay egg cases that hold 40 eggs when pregnant. This is why they can become a problem so quickly as they are fast reproducers. Females can reproduce every 60 days.

Adult German cockroaches only grow up to a little over half an inch long. When first born, they measure about an eighth of an inch. German cockroach nymphs are not able to reproduce until they are grown. German cockroaches exist all over the world, despite their name. They are believed to have originated in Asia.

Understanding Their Sneaky Behavior

German cockroaches are nocturnal, preferring to do their dirty work under the cover of darkness. German Cockroaches breed quickly, so if you see one, chances are you have many in your home. German cockroaches are not picky eaters. They’ll eat just about anything that gets in their way, from crumbs on your countertop to the glue on the back of postage stamps.

How Did They Get In My Home?

German roaches can enter homes through small cracks and crevices. They may also hitch a ride on items such as grocery bags, cardboard boxes, or secondhand furniture.

They’re also expert climbers, so they can easily scale walls and crawl through vents or gaps around windows and doors. Once inside, they’re like tiny Houdinis, finding cozy hiding spots in warm, humid areas. Because they’re nocturnal creatures, they do most of their exploring and breeding under the cover of darkness, making them even harder to spot until the infestation gets out of hand.

Health Risks

Now, here’s where things get serious. German cockroaches aren’t just gross – they can also pose some serious health risks to you and your family.

They’re known for carrying all types of nasty bacteria and allergens that can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions. Plus, they can contaminate your food and leave behind a funky smell that’s hard to get rid of. Trust me, you don’t want these guys hanging around.

Prevention is Key

The good news is, there are steps you can take to keep German cockroaches from infesting your house. Start by keeping your kitchen clean and seal any cracks or crevices they can hide in. Fix any leaky pipes or faucets, and don’t leave food lying around overnight. If you’ve got cardboard boxes or grocery bags lying around, do yourself a favor and get rid of them as these critters love hiding in these areas.

Getting Rid of German Cockroaches for Good

So, what do you do if you already have a full-blown infestation on your hands? Don’t panic – Rodent Solutions has your back. Our pest control company specializes in getting rid of unwanted guests in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Parrish, and other surrounding areas. 

We have all the tools needed to kick those German cockroaches to the curb. We’ll come in, assess the situation, and come up with a tailored plan for you to get rid of those pests. We have 13+ years of experience here in Florida, and we are local experts with a knack for customer service.

Conclusion

German cockroaches can be a real nuisance as they reproduce quickly and can cause health issues for you and your loved ones. Remember, prevention is key, but if you do find yourself facing an infestation, don’t wait to reach out to us here at Rodent Solutions. We’re here to help you reclaim your home from those unwanted guests once and for all with our German cockroach control plans. Check out our German cockroach FAQ page for more information.