While there are a variety of cockroach species that you might encounter in your Salt Lake City home or business, the one you are most likely to find is the German cockroach. That’s because German cockroaches are the most common home- and business-invading roach in the world. Unfortunately, once they get inside, German cockroaches can spread all kinds of harmful bacteria and human pathogens which can be detrimental to our health. Therefore, it is important for you to know what the effective cockroach control options are in your area so that you can keep your Salt Lake City home or business free of these dangerous pests.
Identifying German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are tan or light brown in color, and they feature two dark, almost parallel lines on their backs, just behind their heads. They can grow up to 5/8th inches long, and they have six spine-covered legs and long antennae. Both male and female German cockroaches have wings and are able to fly. However, they rarely do so, as they prefer to run. German cockroaches prefer to live in warm and humid locations that are close to food and water sources and often make their homes inside of kitchens and bathrooms.
Dangers Posed By German Cockroach Infestations
German cockroaches pose several different threats to humans, most notably the numerous harmful bacteria and pathogens that they are known to spread. They pick up these harmful contaminants on their spiny legs while roaming around in unsanitary locations such as sewer pipes or trash heaps. Then, they bring them into our homes, contaminating surfaces and food alike. Some diseases that cockroaches have been known to spread include salmonellosis, typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery, plague, listeriosis, and giardia. In addition to spreading these harmful diseases, German cockroaches can also trigger both allergy and asthma attacks in at-risk people, especially children and the elderly.
To make matters worse, German cockroaches aren’t just health hazards; they are also extremely hard to get rid of. That’s because German cockroaches are resilient pests that can survive in adverse environments for long periods. Moreover, German cockroaches can go up to a month without food and several weeks without water. Therefore, even if you take away every food or water source in your home, they could persist.
German Cockroach Prevention Tips
When it comes to German cockroach prevention, your primary objectives should be to take away any food or water sources and to seal off any potential entry points. To accomplish this, you should:
- Take out the trash regularly, and store trash in bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Store food in airtight containers or the fridge.
- Wipe up any spills from floors or countertops immediately.
- Refrain from stacking dirty dishes in your sink for long periods.
- Pick up any uneaten pet food after your pet has finished eating.
- Fix any leaky pipes or fixtures in your home.
- Use dehumidifiers to keep moisture levels low throughout your home.
- Seal any cracks in the foundation of your home.
- Seal off any holes around the exterior of your home.
- Install door sweeps under all exterior doors.
What To Do If German Cockroaches Have Infested Your Property
If your home or business has become infested with German cockroaches, contact the pest professionals here at Pest Pro Pest Control. We offer both residential and commercial pest control services to ensure that no matter what your German cockroach control needs may be, we've got you covered. Don’t let German cockroaches threaten the health and safety of the people in your home or business. Give Pest Pro Pest Control a call today.