German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are the most common household roach throughout the world, and especially in the United States. So whether you live in Wisconsin or Washington, chances are that you have seen this roach in your home at one point or another. German roaches are also known as Croton bugs or Steamflies and are one of the smaller roaches at only about 1.3 to 1.6 cm long (or a body length of only ½ inch). They are brownish-black in color, with the female being darker than the male. All roaches, including German roaches, pose a health risk, especially if you are at the point of infestation. This is due to the fact that roaches defecate on food and transmit germs and bacteria like staphylococcus, streptococcus and E coli. This fact alone makes it important to properly get rid of roaches before they infest your home. Find a qualified exterminator to help rid your home of German roaches.
German roaches roaches most like to hide in kitchens and bathrooms where moisture levels are high and where they can feed on crumbs and garbage. One of the best ways to prevent roaches is to keep a clean home by sweeping the floors a few extra times a week, wiping up the floors — especially after spills — and taking out the garbage often. While this won't keep all roaches out, it will certainly help make your home and kitchen less inviting. Keep in mind, a roach will eat pretty much anything it finds.
German Roaches: Hard to Control
German roaches are hard to control for two main reasons:
1) They are small, which enables them to hide in small cracks and crevices.
2) They reproduce in large quantities and very quickly. In fact, one egg capsule can lead to an infestation within 6 months. The best way to control a large infestation is to find an exterminator. For smaller roach problems, you can try to take care of it yourself by placing some bait in small cracks and crevices. This usually does the trick and kills off all the roaches.
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