Where do German Cockroaches come from? Maybe you thought (understandably) that they came from Germany. It used to be thought that they came to this continent from Central Europe. Later, researchers came to the conclusion that these home-dwelling pests came from Northeast Africa. Finally, they understood that these German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) actually are natives of Southeast Asia.
German cockroaches rarely, if ever, live outdoors. They need to be in proximity to humans and human activity to survive for at least two of the things they need the most: shelter, food, and water. Even though they need to live near humans, they are still very clever and resourceful scavengers, and master survivors. Their superior sense of smell makes it so that they find just about ANYTHING delicious. They are omnivores, and will eat a wide range of things. From garbage, crumbs, filth, dirt, paper, cardboard, pet food, to dead roach carcasses, and even feces.
They are not dangerous (other than the filth and diseases they can spread), and no homeowner in their right mind wants them near their home. With some effort (mainly keeping your house clean and tidy), you can help prevent them from moving in.
Must Read:DO GERMAN COCKROACHES BITE?
German Cockroaches Are Among the Most Common
In the United States and Canada, homeowners usually only ever have to deal with a few roach species indoors, including:
- German cockroaches
- Brown-banded cockroaches
- American cockroaches
- Oriental cockroaches
When you discover German cockroach activity in your home, the quicker you act, the better success you’ll have at getting rid of them and from helping prevent them from making a comeback.
Where Do German Cockroaches Go When They’re Indoors?
When German cockroaches find their way into your home, there are some favorite places they like to go, including kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and other out-of-the-way areas (e.g., in wall voids and floor voids, in indoor cracks and crevices, underneath, behinds, or between appliances, in drawers and cabinets, near plumbing, etc.). These pests also hide out in appliance motors that generate heat (e.g., refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers).
Prevent German Cockroaches at Home
The easiest thing you can do to keep German cockroaches away is to keep your home clean and clutter-free. But if you’re already doing this and still find roaches in your home, don’t worry. They are resourceful and can survive on even small amounts of food. German cockroaches can be found in even the cleanest homes sometimes. Try these preventive steps:
- Vacuum, sweep, and mop your floors regularly.
- Keep countertops and floors cleaned of crumbs and spills, immediately if possible. Never leave dirty dishes overnight in the sink.
- Seal up cracks, gaps, holes, and crevices around your home’s exterior and in your home (remember, German cockroaches can live in wall voids, too. Don’t give roaches or other pests a way to get into your home. Keep pipe/utility entry points and vents screened over. Stuff gaps with copper wool.
- Repair all plumbing leaks indoors, outdoors, and especially in your basement. Dehumidify your basement and crawlspaces if you need to.
- Cover trash tightly and remove it regularly. Trash should be kept as far away from your home’s entrances as possible.
- Remove empty boxes and piles of newspapers and magazines from your garage, basement, attic, etc.
- Mulch and firewood should be kept at least 20 feet away from the side of your house.
Remember, preventing German cockroaches (and other roach species and pests in general) starts with sanitation. Even then, you may still find yourself dealing with a German cockroach infestation. If you are seeing German roach activity and have a growing infestation on your hands, it’s time to call in a professional. Save yourself tons of time, money, and stress by calling our Texas pest control experts today! We’ll rid your home of German cockroaches and show you more about how to keep them from coming back!
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