German Cockroaches: The Uninvited House Guest

To many, seeing a cockroach scurry across the kitchen counter or pop out from behind a sponge is nightmare fuel. German cockroaches are common indoor pests that can enter your home from outside, a nearby building or in boxes and bags brought into the house.  They’re found all over the United States, and can easily contaminate food and spread bacteria throughout the areas your loved ones frequent. The good news? You can help prevent them! Read on to learn how.

Clean Up Regularly

German cockroaches are attracted to dirty dishes, food that has been left out, and garbage. It’s important to clean up after a meal and not leave food or crumbs laying around. It’s also important to rinse dishes before placing them in the sink. Wipe down your counters each night, and sweep up any food crumbs that land on the floor as soon as possible. If you have one, use your garbage disposal to discard food instead of throwing it away. You should also take your garbage out each night, and store it away from entryways.

Make Repairs

It’s important to repair leaky pipes in the kitchen or bathroom as soon as possible, as moisture draws cockroaches in. You don’t want to find a group of these under your sink! Seal off cracks in your sinks or bathtubs, and soak up standing water after a shower instead of leaving it on the floor to dry. Hang damp towels instead of leaving them on the floor as well.

Check Bags & Luggage

Cockroaches can take a ride in your luggage or boxes, so it’s important to check both before bringing them inside your home. If you pick up boxes from storage or another person’s house, look inside before you bring it with you. After a trip, check your suitcases and bags. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

If you see cockroaches in your home, it’s important to get help from a professional right away. German cockroaches can lay several eggs at once, and it doesn’t take long for them to mature. Infestations can happen quickly if you aren’t careful!