German cockroaches are dirty insects. They are drawn to sewage, dead animals, compost heaps, dog droppings, rotting food in dumpsters, and more. So, it isn't surprising that they are a serious disease concern. You should never allow them to live in your home. They are naturally drawn to things you wouldn't even consider going near. After being exposed to these filthy places, they crawl on your counters, cutting board, dishes, silverware, and they get into your food. But it is extremely difficult to get them out and keep them out. German cockroach nymphs are small enough to fit through the holes of your electrical outlets. They're able to grow a skin that is resistant to chemicals found in their environment. And don't bother trying to drown one. A German cockroach can hold its breath for forty minutes! Fortunately, there is a trick to keeping German cockroaches out of your Opelika, AL home. Here's what you need to know.
Sanitation
German cockroaches won't want to live with you if you keep a tight ship. But you have to keep it really tight. These insects can feed on food in the drain that goes to your trash disposal. They can eat the grime off the side of your oven. They can feed on crumbs that roll under your fridge. Deep cleaning is essential. Here are some suggestions for keeping things clean. If you work hard, you could make those roaches seek a better habitat. At the very least, you'll make it more difficult for the roaches to multiply.
- Keep your interior trash receptacle clean and dispose of your trash frequently to keep from having anything in your home that is rotting.
- Clean your couch thoroughly and refrain from eating in your living room.
- Put dirty dishes in soapy water until you're ready to wash them.
- Vacuum your rugs often, and keep your floors clean.
Exterior Sanitation
If you don't have German cockroaches in your home yet, exterior sanitation can help prevent an infestation. Cockroaches are drawn to your home by the scent of rot and decay.
- When you forget to put the trash to the curb on trash day, your trash receptacle can really start to stink.Clean it to prevent it from luring German cockroaches to the perimeter around your home.
- If you have a dog that goes in your yard, try to stay on top of picking droppings up.
- If you have compost, make sure it is properly mixed. Smelly compost is like roses to a cockroach.
Protect Your Food
Cockroaches can get into your food cabinets and chew their way into cardboard and paper packages. Consider putting these items in sealed glass or plastic containers. If you have dry dog food, be sure to put it in a sealed container as well.
Don't Neglect Your Bathroom
German cockroaches are attracted to humid habitats. Bathrooms are very comfortable for these insects, and they are a common place to find them hiding. You can make it less comfortable by doing the following:
- Turn the fan on in your bathroom when you take a bath or shower.
- If you have a jetted tub, don't leave water in it between uses.
- If you have leaky faucets, get them fixed as soon as you can.
While in your bathroom, German cockroaches are likely to feed on toothpaste, dead skin, and hair. Keep your bathroom clean. Keep the cover on your toothpaste, and consider putting your toothbrush in a protective case.
Reduce Humidity
German cockroaches will gravitate to any humid space in your home. You can make these areas uncomfortable by installing dehumidifiers or ventilating the space. Make sure you address any leaky pipes and plumbing issues.
Seal Entry Points
It is impossible to completely seal German cockroaches out of your home, but that doesn't mean you should try. If you seal every little gap, crack, or hole (especially around plumbing) you can resist German cockroaches enough to keep them from establishing themselves in your home.
The Best Way To Get Control Of German Cockroaches
If you live in Auburn, reach out to Prewett Pest Control. We provide modern, convenient, and effective pest control for the residents of East Alabama. We know what is required to get control of German cockroaches. We also provide year-round pest service that provides coverage for over 30 pests, including cockroaches. Reach out to us today. We're standing by to help.