Seeing dozens of cockroaches scurrying into the dark corners as you turn on your kitchen or basement light is a nightmare for every homeowner. Cockroaches love the warm and humid climate of Arlington, and for us down in Texas, cockroaches are a bigger problem than in most other states.
Cockroaches are among the oldest existing insects and have evolved into highly efficient survivors. Cockroaches can run faster than any other insect, regenerate limbs, live for over a week missing a head, and can survive the pressure of over 900 times their body weight.
They are one of nature's least picky eaters, too. They'll happily munch on refuse, human and pet food, paper, fabrics, and each other. Each female cockroach can lay over 200 eggs, and each of those eggs can be a start of a new, hundreds-strong colony.
If you suspect a cockroach infestation, pay attention to the following telltale signs:
- Spotting adult cockroaches.
- Noticing cockroach droppings that look a lot like coffee grounds.
- Molted cockroach skins.
- Cockroach eggs are usually tan or light brown.
- Smelling a musty odor that's the symptom of an advanced cockroach infestation.
There are thousands of species of cockroaches worldwide, but only about 50 subspecies are interested in invading human habitats. Of those, only three are likely to be found in Arlington's climate; American cockroaches, German cockroaches, and oriental cockroaches. If you run into a cockroach in your home, it's most likely a German cockroach since they are the most populous and widespread.
Let's take a quick look at how to identify German cockroaches, what to watch out for if you suspect an infestation in your house, and how to find top-notch pest control in the Arlington area to clear them out.
How To Identify A German Cockroach
Adult German cockroaches are on the smaller side, reaching less than 3/4 of an inch in length. They're usually light brown to tan with oval-shaped bodies and are easily identified (if you want to get close enough to one) by two dark lines running down their backs. German cockroaches have fully developed wings, but unlike American cockroaches, they're not fond of flying.
German cockroaches mature from an egg to a nymph and finally into an adult and have a relatively short lifespan of only three to six months. German cockroach females can lay up to 400 eggs in that short time.
German cockroaches in Arlington, like most other species found in North America, are nocturnal and prefer warm and humid places. They're most likely to infest kitchens and bathrooms and usually stay close to plumbing.
Why German Cockroaches Are Worse Than Other Roaches
The German cockroach's short lifespan necessitates swift growth. Combining that with the amazing speed they reproduce (German cockroaches lay almost double the number of eggs in their lifetime compared to other species) amounts to infestations that progress much faster than other cockroach subspecies.
German cockroaches are known to carry and transmit multiple illnesses, among which are:
- Salmonellosis
- Typhoid fever
- Cholera
- Gastroenteritis
- Dysentery
- E. coli infection
Thanks to the unsanitary places they spend most of their time, cockroaches spread pathogens and bacteria on the surfaces they travel. Cockroach urine and feces can also cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions.
Why Do-It-Yourself German Cockroach Control Fails
As ever-evolving survivors, cockroaches constantly adapt to the DIY insecticides we can buy. Even if you succeed at exterminating the adults, these concoctions rarely do much against cockroach nymphs and do not affect eggs.
DIY pesticide's low success rate, combined with ingredients that are often as dangerous to humans and our four-legged friends as they are to cockroaches, make prevention look like a clear winner when it comes to DIY options. The following simple steps will give you a leg up at keeping cockroaches outside.
- Seal cracks and crevices in the outside walls.
- Fix plumbing issues.
- Seal vents and drains with tight mesh.
- Keep food and pet food in sealed containers.
- Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
Easy access to food and shelter attracts cockroaches to homes. If you remove those temptations or at least make them hard to reach, pests will think twice before picking your home to invade.
The Pros To Call To Get Rid Of German Cockroaches For Good
Sometimes your best prevention methods are not enough, and you end up facing a cockroach infestation in your house. Most often, when you start to see signs such as a musty smell and cockroaches out in the daylight, the infestation is in its advanced stages, and the insects have to spread out further out to find food.
In order to get the situation under control, your best bet is to bring in a professional. All Seasons Pest Control service technicians provide German cockroach pest control; we have the experience and know-how to clear your home of these disgusting insects and take care of the eggs to avoid a re-infestation.
Call All Seasons Pest Control for a free over-the-phone estimate if you see signs of a cockroach infestation in your Arlington home. With over twenty-seven years in the pest control industry, we will take on German cockroaches and any other pest issues you may have.
