According to The American Housing Survey, Raleigh is one of the top ten worst cockroach-infested cities in the United States. Number 6 in 2015, to be precise. Many believe that a cockroach is a cockroach, and there’s really no difference between them, but different species of cockroach behave in unique ways, making the task of identifying and exterminating them a little more difficult.
While having a higher concentration of cockroaches in the state can make it harder to avoid them, there are methods you can undertake to prevent and get rid of cockroaches in Raleigh. Keep reading to learn more about German cockroaches, the dangerous characteristics of cockroaches, and effective German cockroach treatment.
How To Differentiate German Cockroaches From Other Roaches In Raleigh
Cockroaches look fairly similar at a glance. Basically, you know when you see one. However, each species has unique characteristics. Proper cockroach identification takes the characteristics of cockroaches into account and can be helpful in developing the best possible treatment plan.
German cockroaches only grow to around ⅝ of an inch long. They are tan with two darker brown stripes behind their heads. While they do have wings, they prefer to run. The most similar-looking cockroach is probably the American cockroach which is substantially larger, growing to over 2 inches in length. The American cockroach can and does fly, and they have a unique yellow figure-eight pattern on the back of their heads but are otherwise mostly reddish-brown. These two species of cockroaches are lighter in color than many other US species.
Not only does the German cockroach differ in appearance, but also in tastes and behavior. These additional cockroach facts help homeowners and treatment providers to know where and how to look for infestations. While all cockroaches are omnivores that can survive on barely-edible or non-edible items in times of need, German cockroaches prefer warm, humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms and can survive on glue, toothpaste, and soap if necessary.
German cockroaches are much more frequently found indoors than the other two most common species in the United States. Both the American cockroach and the Oriental cockroach spend most of their time outdoors, only coming inside due to climate changes or food shortages.
How Are Cockroaches In Raleigh Harmful To Your Health?
As a species, cockroaches are one of the filthiest home-invading pests around. Not only can they worsen allergies and asthma in vulnerable populations, but they carry a wide number of severe disease-causing bacteria and pathogens.
Out of the 33 different bacteria they’re known to carry, you might recognize the names salmonella, staphylococcus, and streptococcus. Among the 6 kinds of parasitic worms, you might recognize the hookworm. Finally, out of the seven other human pathogens transmissible by cockroaches, the names dysentery, cholera, and typhoid fever may stand out.
When not indoors, cockroaches survive on the dead, dying, decaying, or rotting food, or the feces they can find in sewers or on the ground. When a creature like that comes inside and gets on the counter, you can begin to see why they are so dangerous to human health.
How Can I Get Rid Of German Cockroaches In Raleigh?
Proper cockroach identification is step one in protecting and effectively treating your home. Learning cockroach facts serves to teach you what to avoid in your home, so you don’t have to deal with an infestation to begin with. While pest control can get rid of the infestation, the problem will only return if the appropriate changes aren’t made to protect your home.
To permanently get rid of cockroaches, make sure you maintain and clean your home, including taking steps like these:
-
Sanitize surfaces daily.
-
Vacuum often.
-
Take the trash out regularly.
-
Store food in glass or metal containers.
-
Seal cracks around your home’s exterior with silicone-based caulk.
-
Reduce indoor and outdoor moisture issues.
-
Clear your yard of debris, and keep it trimmed.
After treatment, if you properly clean and maintain your home, you’ll have a much better chance of keeping these invasive insects out.
For top-of-the-line German cockroach treatment, you can trust Go-Forth Pest Control. With multiple options to choose from, you can choose a service plan that best fits your pest control needs. Regular visits can keep your home clear of cockroaches and any other pest you might see throughout the seasons.
With Go-Forth Pest Control, our high ratings and award-winning technicians are just evidence of our decades of experience helping members of the community stay safe from pests. To request your free, no-obligation quote, call Go-Forth Pest Control today.
