When it comes to cockroaches, there is no roach quite like the German cockroach. These are the most widely distributed of all roaches and, of all cockroach species, this species presents unique challenges if you want to get rid of them. Here is a quick guide to German cockroaches in West Chester.
What You're Up Against
It is easy to conclude that German cockroaches don't just live in Germany. But, what you may not know is that German cockroaches have been found infesting structures on every continent except Antarctica. This is an important fact to be aware of. Here are a few reasons why:
-
German cockroaches are associated with human activity. There are currently no known populations of wild German cockroaches in the world. They all live within, or near, man-made structures. So you're likely to have a difficult time driving them out, or driving them away.
-
German cockroaches are so commonly found indoors that they can live in regions where it is impossible for them to live outside. These places can be cold, even indoors. But, German cockroaches are robust insects with behavioral patterns that protect them from danger.
-
People all over the world have tried to exterminate German cockroaches to the point of extinction, and these roaches are still with us. This species is so prevalent in structures that they fall into their own category in terms of pest resistance. While some cockroaches are born with a strong tolerance for pest control chemicals, only German cockroaches have populations that are born "bait averse." That is to say, they're born with taste receptors that reject the taste of sweet roach baits. If you have bait-averse German roaches in your West Chester home, it will be tricky to deal with them.
The Philosophy Of DIY German Cockroach Control
It is usually impossible to get rid of German cockroaches without the use of pest control products. When a licensed pest professional handles this task, more than one product is used, and more than one method is used. This is done to make sure that these roaches don't find a way to adapt and overcome. The strategy for German cockroach control is complicated and best accomplished by a trained professional. So, where does that leave West Chester residents? Is there anything you can do to get control of German cockroaches in your home? The philosophy of do-it-yourself German cockroach control is more about mitigation than it is about control. When you take steps to deal with a German cockroach infestation, the greatest benefits are that you'll stunt reproduction and reduce a cockroach's ability to make you sick.
Reproduction — Cockroaches need food in order to live, thrive, and reproduce. The more available food, the faster roaches will be able to grow a population. When you keep things clean (and deep cleaned) you remove the primary food roaches eat. They feed on crumbs, juices, leftovers on your plates, dead skin cells in dust, hair on your bathroom sink, and some unsavory things we won't mention. When you deep clean your home and keep it clean, you will stunt cockroach reproduction.
Illness — The dirty things cockroaches feed on, such as what is found in your kitchen trash, your drains, and in other dirty places, will expose the roaches to microorganisms that could be harmful to you. When you keep things clean, you make the roaches in your home a little cleaner and, therefore, less likely to expose you to something that could make you sick.
DIY Cockroach Maintenance
There are things you can do to deter cockroaches. While they don't work nearly as well with German cockroaches, they can still have an impact, and they're worth doing.
-
Use a caulking gun to seal gaps and cracks in your exterior.
-
Replace damaged screens, door sweeps, and the weatherstripping around your doors.
-
Store pantry foods in sealed plastic containers, particularly items that come in cardboard, paper, or thin plastic.
-
Store potatoes in a sealed bin.
-
Put pet food down only during mealtimes.
-
Keep trash in covered containers and remove it frequently so that no smells develop.
-
Stay on top of yard work. Remove leaves, dead branches, grass clippings, and other organic debris.
-
Move wood piles away from your home and elevate your stacked wood.
-
Remove lawn clutter so that cockroaches can't hide underneath the things in your yard.
Keep your landscaping trim and neat.
-
Remove weeds, grass, and other unnecessary vegetation from your landscaping.
-
Make sure your gutter system is in good working order. If there are clogs or breaks, water can saturate the perimeter next to your exterior walls and invite roach activity.
When You Detect Cockroaches
If you suspect that you have cockroaches in your West Chester home, your first step should be to reach out to Masters Touch Pest Solutions. We can guide you in finding an effective solution to get control of your roach infestation. We also offer ongoing perimeter pest control services. Connect with us today and tell us about your pest issue. We're here to help.
