
Of all the bugs that can infest a Knoxville home or business, perhaps the most hated is the German cockroach. Synonymous with uncleanliness, these insects are an extremely unwelcome sight for any homeowner – and intolerable for anyone trying to run a business. They’re also notoriously hardy and sneaky; they’re all but impossible to get rid of without help from a professional cockroach exterminator. You can’t even starve them out; they can survive for weeks without food, and will even eat each other if they’re desperate.
The first step is understanding these pests, their habits, and the steps you can take to mitigate your risk of developing an infestation. The Russell’s Pest Control team is here to help.
What Do German Roaches Look Like?
A lot of people think of roaches as big insects, but German roaches defy that stereotype. At around half an inch in length, they are roughly the size of the American cockroach. Their size makes them harder to eliminate than their larger cousins since they can hide in smaller spaces.
While they look similar to many of their relatives, they have one prominent distinct feature: pale brown coloring with two darker stripes running from the head toward the wings.
Are German Cockroaches Dangerous?
While German roaches aren’t dangerous to humans on their own – they don’t bite or sting – they can still present a health hazard, just like any other roach. They track germs wherever they go, and they go everywhere. During a night of feeding, a roach might look for food on the bathroom floor, the garbage can… and eventually your pantry.
Roaches may carry salmonella and E. coli bacteria, along with many other bacteria that can cause food poisoning, vomiting, diarrhea, and more. If you suspect that roaches have been in your food, don’t eat it; you don’t know where those roach feet have been.
How Fast Do German Roaches Reproduce?
One thing that makes German roaches so hard to deal with is the speed at which they reproduce. The average female German roach will lay about thirty eggs in a little package (called an ootheca) that she’ll carry around until the young are ready to hatch. That same female will lay about five batches of eggs during her lifetime, which means her reproductive capacity is about 150 new roaches. This number can also be much higher – not to mention that each of those 150+ new roaches will have their own descendants as well!
German roaches reach sexual maturity in three months, while other roaches may take up to a year. That means that you will get four generations of egg-laying female German roaches per year – far more than other species of roach. The rate of reproduction therefore grows exponentially with each generation. In other words, it is extremely likely for a single female German roach to have thousands of descendants in a single year.
How to Reduce Your Risk of German Cockroach Infestation
Now that you’re completely disgusted and worried, what should you watch out for when trying to avoid a German cockroach infestation? Here are a few steps you can follow:
- Eliminate hiding places. Roaches will hide in all sorts of places; cardboard boxes, isolated corners, even inside disused electronics. Clean up clutter and make sure to check areas that don’t normally get attention.
- Clean up food spills.Roaches famously don’t need much to eat or drink in order to survive; they can go without food for over a month as long as they have water. A few crumbs of food or drops of water can keep them going for a long time, so make sure to do the dishes in a timely manner.
- Store food properly. Use tightly locking containers to prevent roaches from squeezing inside.
- Hire professional exterminators. You’ll have the best chance of preventing an infestation if you have Russell’s Pest Control inspect your property.
Signs of a Roach Problem
The most common sign of a roach problem is simply spotting a roach scurrying across the floor. Other signs include droppings, discarded egg casings, and shed skin. If you suspect you’re dealing with a roach problem, don’t wait – act fast. As we’ve already established, a roach infestation can spiral out of control before you know it.
Russell’s Pest Control: Knoxville’s First Choice in Cockroach Control
Handling a cockroach problem on your own is simply unrealistic. These bugs are sneaky and great at surviving; if you kill one, there are ten more to take its place. That’s why the Russell’s Pest Control team is here to help. Our cockroach exterminators keep up with the latest in pest control technology. With 54 years of experience helping home and business owners all around Knoxville, you can’t go wrong with us on your side.
Give us a call to get started with a free quote!
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