You might think all cockroaches are the same, but some species are worse than others. Having a cockroach infestation on your property can be frustrating and embarrassing. While roaches cause many of the same problems regardless of species, German cockroaches, in particular, can be especially troublesome. By following this guide to German cockroach control in Long Island, you can help solve the problem.
What Are German Cockroaches?
German cockroaches are a small species measuring between just 1/2 and 5/8 inches in size. They are light brown or tan in color and have two dark vertical stripes on their backs. They resemble other peridomestic cockroaches like the American cockroach and have flat oval-shaped bodies with six barbed legs and long front antennae.
In both homes and businesses in the United States, German cockroaches are the most commonly encountered species. They are also widely considered to be the worst type of cockroach to infest properties.
Why Are German Cockroaches Bad?
Cockroaches spread disease wherever they go. When you have German cockroaches, you are susceptible to contracting several illnesses, including salmonellosis, dysentery, and typhoid fever. This is because cockroaches hang out in areas of extreme filth like dumpsters, garbage bins, toilets, and sewers. As they feed and breed, they pick up harmful pathogens and contaminate food and surfaces as they travel.
Besides harmful diseases, German cockroaches can also trigger allergies. When many cockroaches infest a home or business, they produce saliva and particles of shed skin that can irritate the skin and lungs. In severe cases, cockroaches can cause asthma and eczema.
An infestation of German cockroaches can become overwhelming in a relatively short amount of time. A female German cockroach can lay up to 40 eggs, which develop into adults in around two months. Their reproductive talents combined with their unique physical features make them a pain to deal with.
The small size allows German cockroaches to slip away into cracks and crevices. Their coloration makes it difficult to spot them without direct light. They have been known to be resistant to certain pesticides, and like other roaches, their crush-resistant body and surprising speed make them hard to kill.
How To Get Rid Of German Cockroaches In Long Island
The best way to get rid of German cockroaches on your Long Island property is with help from the experts at Parkway Pest Services. Since 1932, we’ve been protecting Long Island homes and businesses from harmful pests. Our proven pest control solutions eliminate roaches at the source and prevent them from infesting your property again. With several pest control plans available to suit your needs, we’ll get rid of your German cockroaches once and for all.
German Cockroach Prevention Tips
To prevent German cockroaches from infesting your property, there are a few simple steps you can take:
- Take out the trash. Don’t let trash pile up indoors. Dispose of trash regularly and try to keep garbage bins away from the property.
- Clean up. Make sure to wipe down counters, tables, and other surfaces where you cook or eat. Don’t leave any food scraps behind, especially on dirty dishes left out in the sink.
- Reduce moisture. Check for any pipes or faucets that are leaking and fix them. Excess moisture can attract cockroaches, which is why they are often found under sinks and in bathrooms.
- Seal entrance points. Inspect your property for openings in your foundation and around the plumbing—seal gaps or cracks with caulk. Replace any faulty weather stripping or door sweeps.
For information or assistance with your German cockroach problem, get in touch with the professionals at Parkway Pest Services today.