When you think of cockroaches, you probably imagine a disgusting insect that will get into your food and that’s nearly impossible to destroy, and for the most part, this is true. Cockroaches are a common home-invading pest in Alexandria that is extremely unsanitary, and they are also rather hardy and difficult to eliminate.
Worldwide there are around 4,500 different species of cockroach, but the most common species to invade homes and businesses in Alexandria, VA is the German cockroach. This small species only grows to be about ? of an inch long, but they can cause many health concerns for home and business owners. You can also identify the German cockroach from other species by their light brown coloration and the two black stripes that run parallel behind their heads.
Because German cockroaches in Alexandria are such a prevalent and difficult pest problem, we’ve put together a guide to this pest to help you prevent and control them in order to keep yourself and your family safe.
Why German Cockroaches Are Such A Problem Pest
The main reason German cockroaches are a pest you need to worry about is that they carry many pathogens. They have spread up to 33 different strains of bacteria along with six different parasitic worms, and many of the diseases they carry can be quite severe and lead to serious health issues. Plus, they can also cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks, and contaminate food.
Given the health risks associated with a German cockroach infestation, removing them quickly is vital, but the other concern with these cockroaches is that they are extremely hard to eliminate. This is because they can reproduce quickly and are also resistant to many pesticides.
Five German Cockroach Prevention Tips
German cockroaches are a huge hassle to get rid of once they invade your home, so taking measures to prevent an infestation is the best way to protect your home and family. While it’s impossible to completely guarantee you’ll never have cockroaches, the following five steps can reduce the risk of an infestation:
- Focus on good cleaning habits especially in kitchens. This includes wiping up crumbs and spills, washing dirty dishes, and sweeping and mopping.
- Take care to have good sanitation practices by taking out the trash on a regular basis and keeping lids on all garbage cans.
- Keep cockroaches from coming inside by fixing broken screens and sealing up cracks in walls with caulk and foam.
- Store pet food inside, and keep all people and pet food in airtight containers.
- Humidity also attracts cockroaches, so address damp areas in your home by fixing leaky plumbing and using dehumidifiers.
Why You Should Seek Professional Pest Help
While there are some steps you can take on your own to deter German cockroaches, the most effective way to prevent all cockroaches in the area is with help from Matar Termite & Pest Control. Our qualified technicians can provide continual assistance to prevent German cockroaches throughout the year, and they can also remove any current infestations. We have nearly 30 years of experience dealing with German cockroaches using effective and safe products.
Don’t let these disease-filled pests put you and your family’s health at risk. Give us a call today at (571) 483-3575 to learn more or schedule a residential pest control appointment.