What Are German Roaches?
German cockroaches are small cockroaches that are typically no more than 1.6 cm long; they are light brown to tan, have 6 legs, and antennae, and are oval in shape. These cockroaches are the most common species of cockroach found throughout the U.S., and infestations occur in human-occupied spaces. While German cockroaches do not bite, they can contribute to asthma and spread bacteria and harmful pathogens that contaminate food, food preparation areas, and the surfaces they touch.
What Attracts German Cockroaches?
German cockroaches are attracted to warm, moist areas. and to food in the human environment You may find them hiding in the communal garbage area or other areas where there is food, water, and shelter. An infestation may have been introduced somewhere in your multi-family community and spread because of:
- A leaky pipe
- Overflowing garbage containers
- Cracks in the walls between units
- Excess cardboard or grease, which are both food sources for German roaches
Signs that there is a German cockroach infestation in your home or building include:
- Live Insects. Even if you see one or two German roaches, be sure to report it to management. German cockroach populations can increase rapidly.
- Droppings. German cockroach droppings look like small, brown pepper stains or smears and may appear on your countertops, in draws, around doors, around small cracks, or in corners.
- Egg capsules. If you notice empty egg cases, that may mean female German cockroaches are in your home. They can lay about 40 eggs at a time and infestations can occur very quickly.
- Foul stench. German cockroaches typically release several odorous compounds. If you smell a musty odor, that may mean there is an infestation of German cockroaches in a building.
While you cannot control what the other tenants do, you can take steps to prevent an infestation, including:
- Immediately reporting any plumbing issues, especially leaks
- Eliminating standing water sources
- Cleaning your kitchen counters, stove and cabinets consistently
- Not overwatering any plants in or around your home
- Avoid letting trash or debris pile up in or around your home
- Inspecting used items you want to purchase (including furniture and appliances) for evidence of German roaches
How to Get Rid of German Cockroaches
If your apartment, condominium, or multi-family home community is suffering a German cockroach infestation, you should immediately notify the property manager, landlord, or homeowners’ association. Your lease should include details concerning responsibility for pest control issues. If you pay a monthly maintenance fee that includes pest control services, the property manager should hire a professional company to identify the problem and treat the areas where there is roach activity. If you do not pay a monthly fee, you should retain professional services yourself. German roaches are not a DIY pest.
To eliminate roaches, you and/or the property manager should also take steps to:
- Clean. You should thoroughly clean your space to eliminate all food sources. The property common areas should be cleaned as well
- Seal any cracks or holes. If there are holes in any doors, windows, or plumbing sites, they should be immediately tended to.
- Schedule regular treatments. The company you retain should come back to ensure the infestation was eliminated.
Get Help Today
At Red Coat Pest Solutions, our technicians are known for their professionalism, integrity, high-quality services, and communication skills. We can help you get rid of unwanted guests in your multi-family home, including German roaches
If you need help ridding your space of German roaches, contact the experienced professionals at Red Coat Pest Solutions. Call (404) 724-8999 today.