German cockroaches are a common household pest in Jacksonville, Florida. They are small, brown insects that are about 1/2 inch long. They are known for their ability to reproduce quickly and spread easily. (Also, for being one of the most unsightly, filthy, and grossest insects known to the average household.)
About German Roaches
German cockroaches are attracted to food, water, and warmth. They can be found in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of the home where there is food and moisture. This means they can also be found in just about any type of housing, including apartments, condominiums, and other multi-unit dwellings.
Unfortunately, German cockroaches pose a number of health risks. They can carry bacteria and other pathogens that can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, and other illnesses. They can also trigger allergic reactions in some people. So, they pose more than a nuisance threat, especially to people with certain allergies or those prone to health issues.
As if this wasn’t enough, German cockroaches can also cause costly damage to your home. That’s right. They can not only contaminate food and spread germs, but these pests can also cause real damage to furniture and other belongings. In fact, people who have an infestation are generally surprised by just how much damage they can and do inflict.
How to Detect German Roaches
Now, for a little bit of good news. There are a few tell-tale signs that you may have a German cockroach infestation so you don’t have to wonder. These include things like seeing live cockroaches or their droppings, finding egg cases, hearing a rustling sound coming from behind appliances or furniture, spotting brown smears or stains, and/or noticing a musty odor. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to look around, peek into areas where you usually don’t look, and take action to get rid of the cockroaches.
How to Prevent German Roaches from Entering Your Home
Here’s another round of good news. And that is, there are a number of things you can do to prevent German cockroaches from entering your home in the first place. These include the following precautions, which are easy enough for anyone to do:
- Seal up any cracks or gaps around windows and doors
- Keep your home clean and free of clutter
- Store food in airtight containers
- Dispose of food scraps properly
- Avoid leaving water standing around
- Have your home inspected by a pest control professional
As you can see, these are fairly straightforward and simple. By following these tips, you can help to keep German cockroaches out of your home. However, if you are unable to get rid of these pests or can’t keep them out of your house, you’ll need to bring in an experienced professional.
Health Risks of German Roaches
German cockroaches can carry a number of bacteria and other pathogens that can cause health problems. These include salmonella, shigella, E. coli, listeria, and campylobacter. These bacteria can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, allergic reactions, and other illnesses. German cockroaches can also trigger allergic reactions in some people. Here’s a little more detail about these health risks:
- Food poisoning: German cockroaches can contaminate food with bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli. This can lead to food poisoning, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
- Diarrhea: German cockroaches can also carry a parasite called Enterobius vermicularis, which can cause diarrhea. This parasite is spread through the unwitting ingestion of cockroach eggs.
- Allergic reactions: Some people are allergic to cockroach allergens. These allergens can trigger allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, and wheezing. In severe cases, an allergic reaction to cockroaches can lead to anaphylactic shock, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction.
- Asthma attacks: German cockroaches can also trigger asthma attacks in people who are allergic to them. Asthma is a respiratory condition that causes inflammation of the airways. When a person with asthma comes into contact with cockroach allergens, it can trigger an asthma attack, which can cause symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
If you have German cockroaches in your home, it is important to take steps to get rid of them. You can do this by hiring a professional pest control company. It is also important to clean your home regularly and to seal up any cracks or crevices where cockroaches can hide.
Possible Damage German Roaches Can Do to a Home
As mentioned, German cockroaches can also damage your home. They can contaminate food, spread germs, and damage furniture and other belongings. Here are a few more details about the damage or harm they can do inside a home:
- Contamination of food: German cockroaches can contaminate food with their droppings, saliva, and body fluids. This can lead to food poisoning, diarrhea, and other illnesses.
- Spread of germs: German cockroaches can spread germs to other parts of your home. This can lead to the spread of illness.
- Damage to furniture and belongings: German cockroaches can damage furniture and other belongings by chewing on them. This can lead to unsightly damage and even structural problems.
Obviously, these are serious risks to your and your family’s health and the preservation of your home and all the belongings inside. Again, this demonstrates why it’s critical to deal with these pests immediately if you suspect they are coming into your house.
How to Get Rid of German Roaches
If you have a German cockroach infestation, it’s important to take action to get rid of them. There are a number of ways to get rid of German cockroaches, including:
- Pest control services: A pest control professional can use a variety of methods to get rid of German cockroaches, including traps, baits, and chemicals.
- Home remedies: There are a number of home remedies that can be effective against German cockroaches. These include boric acid, diatomaceous earth, and essential oils.
But, please keep in mind, these home remedies and DIY methods may not have the desired effect. If you don’t use the proper treatments for the actual species, it may have little to no effect. This is why it’s so advisable to hire a professional pest control service who has the right equipment and experience.
Wrapping It All Up
German cockroaches are a common household pest in Jacksonville, Florida. They pose a number of health risks and can damage your home. By following the tips in here, you can help to prevent German cockroaches from entering your home and keep your family safe.
If you think you may have a roach problem brewing, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Trad’s. Our experienced professionals will thoroughly inspect your property, assess the situation, and give you options. We have years of experience and can rid your home of pests.