Most homeowners have a pretty clear image that comes to mind when they think of cockroaches. We usually associate them with being dirty and as being able to withstand any environment, making them hard to get rid of. Cartoons and movies have certainly exaggerated these ideas, though, they do hold some value. While there are many different species of cockroach, the German cockroach is one of the most common in South Carolina.
German cockroaches are large, ranging from 1/2 to 5/8th of an inch in length. They are usually tan or light brown and have a pair of long antenna. Dark parallel lines that run down their back of their heads to their wings are unique to this species. If you see these identifying characteristics, you know you are dealing with a German cockroach as opposed to an American or Oriental cockroach.
How do you know if you have a German cockroach problem? Your first sign will probably be seeing the roaches themselves, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other dark and damp places. However, there are a handful of other signs that could alert you to a problem. For example, they leave behind exoskeletons and egg casings in drawers and cabinets; you may smell a musty odor; and you may notice coffee-grind like feces in drawers, cabinets, and underneath sinks.
As mentioned before, you probably immediately think of cockroaches as being a dirty pest. This is for good reason. German cockroaches are dangerous to have in your home because they are a serious health risk. They travel through garbage, feces, sewers, and more before even entering your home. Because of this they commonly carry salmonella and E. coli, both of which cause diarrhea and vomiting. As if this isn’t bad enough, their saliva and feces have been known to trigger severe asthma attacks in humans—especially in young children.
German cockroaches are constantly foraging for food so when it comes to preventing them, you’ll want to eliminate any food or garbage that could attract them in the first place. This is true for both the interior and the exterior of your home. A few tips that you can do yourself include: properly getting rid of garbage and investing in tightly sealed trash cans; making sure food isn’t left in sink strainers and routinely run the disposal; properly storing food in containers, and eliminating grease and food residue from appliances such as microwaves and toasters. You should also think about storing pet foods in containers and eliminating any unnecessary trash such as recyclables and paper items. If you want to use extra precaution, Greenville residents should contact Spencer Pest Services to learn more about our residential pest control services.
That “cartoon” description of cockroaches being hard to get rid of comes from a place of truth. This is why homeowners need professional pest control experts to help eliminate them. Spencer Pest Services has the experience and equipment required to help protect your home and family from not just German cockroaches, but from a wide variety of basic pests. All of our plans offer this coverage along with routine visits. Give us a call today to learn more.