There is nothing like lazily drifting down the bayou while your fishing rod dangles in the water, waiting for dinner to take a bite. The hot, humid air is all it takes to lull you into a mid-afternoon snooze; life cannot get any better than this! Another resident of Louisiana who loves the hot, humid conditions is the German cockroach, and it is happy to enjoy any home in Louisiana that offers suitable living accommodations.
What Everyone In Louisiana Ought To Know About German Cockroaches
Nobody ever wants to get up and personal with cockroaches; however, there are numerous kinds of cockroaches found in Louisiana. One cockroach that is said to give all the other cockroaches a bad name is the German cockroach; therefore, homeowners should be aware of what they look like and where they like to hide.
German cockroaches are a light brown to tan color with two parallel stripes on their backs. Males tend to be slender and females rounded and usually darker in color. These roaches are on the smaller side growing up to only 5/8 of an inch long. They have an oval shape, six legs, and antennae. While they have wings, they don't use them often and are more likely to be spotted scuttling across the floor or countertop.
German cockroaches will live anywhere that provides them with the necessary food and water they need to survive. They live wherever there are humans but prefer warm, humid environments with plenty of food and moisture. In homes, German cockroaches tend to seek out areas in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere else in a home that people are eating and drinking.
Little-Known Problems Caused By German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are the most common cockroach found around the world. More than just a nuisance, they can cause all kinds of health issues for homeowners.
Some health issues that come with German cockroaches include:
- Contaminating food and surfaces with germs
- Causing allergic reactions and asthma attacks (especially in kids)
- Dispersing 33 different kinds of bacteria
- Spreading six different types of parasitic worms
- Transmitting at least seven types of human pathogens
Not only do German cockroaches cause health issues, but they are also notorious for being difficult to remove. One reason German cockroaches are difficult to remove from homes is that they breed all the time. They produce large numbers of eggs that only take a short time to hatch, increasing their populations daily. More importantly, these cockroaches are smaller than other species; allowing them to hide in some pretty small cracks and crevices that even the most vigilant homeowner can overlook.
Louisiana’s Best Way To Fight German Cockroach Infestations
Even the best prevention measures cannot guarantee that cockroaches will not breach your defenses, and once they get in, populations can quickly get out of hand. The best way to deal with a German cockroach infestation is by calling in the professionals at Havard Pest Control. We are a family-owned and operated company that has been fighting pests for over 70 years. Our pest professionals offer honest evaluations, quality products, and superior customer service. Call Havard Pest Control today for your free inspection.
The Secret to German Cockroach Prevention
Instituting prevention measures before you have a German cockroach problem is essential. There are steps homeowners can take to make their home less attractive to the German cockroach.
Six steps that will help prevent German cockroaches from invading homes include:
- Sealing gaps and cracks with silicone-based caulking (especially around pipes)
- Keeping kitchens clean by wiping up spills, cleaning up crumbs, and vacuuming frequently
- Quickly cleaning dirty dishes
- Keeping crawl spaces ventilated
- Keeping high moisture areas dry with dehumidifiers
- Storing food in air-tight containers with tight-fitting lids
For more advice or assistance with cockroach control and prevention, call the professionals at Havard Pest Control.