How To Get Rid Of German Cockroaches In Dundalk Homes

There are a few pest cockroach species in our area. The most common is the German cockroach. But this isn't unique for Dundalk. This is the case in most regions of the United States—and also the world. German cockroaches are the most widely distributed, home-invading cockroach on earth. That's what you're up against if you've found tan cockroaches with black stripes running down their bodies. Why is this roach species so common? That is one of the questions we'll be exploring as we look at how to get them out of Dundalk homes.

Roaches Are Tough. German Roaches Are Tougher.

In General, cockroaches have an incredible ability to adapt to harsh environments. Not only do they avoid danger, they can alter their genes to protect themselves from high levels of radiation or dangerous chemicals. This particular species has even shown that it can change its taste receptors to avoid cockroach baits. The sweet taste of roach baits is now bitter to certain populations of this species. How does this impact your ability to get rid of them? Quite a bit actually.

• If you use toxic chemical products to kill German cockroaches, you're likely to poison yourself long before you kill the roaches in your home. The roaches in your home could already be resistant to those chemicals. When a licensed professional uses conventional products to exterminate German cockroaches, more than one product is used, and these products are only one part of a multi-pronged strategy that includes several control methods. This is done to ensure that no roaches survive the treatments simply because they're resistant to certain substances. A professional is also likely to use a product that has insect growth regulators (IGRs), which work to prevent cockroach development, rather than just kill the roaches.
• If you use baits to control German cockroaches, you're likely to be frustrated. The roaches in your home may already be averse to bait. If they aren't, they can learn to avoid the bait you're putting down. A licensed professional uses a strategy of inspections, treatments, and monitoring to track the success of bait products.

Reduce Food Options

The first goal of cockroach control is to make the environment in your home less conducive to habitation. This will help to stunt population growth, reduce the disease threat associated with cockroach infestations, and reduce roach activity.

• Keep your kitchen, pantry, and bathrooms as clean as possible. German cockroaches can find food sources in these areas. While they can feed on human and pet food, they'll also feed on things you would not consider to be food, such as dead skin, hair, rotting organic matter, and feces.
• Be sure to clean around and under appliances, such as your oven. Roaches feed on oil, grease, and food that has fallen down into the cracks.
• Keep your kitchen trash in a sealed container and keep the container as clean as possible. Remove your trash at least once a week.
• Store food products that come in cardboard or paper packaging in sealed containers. Cockroaches can chew through paper fibers. In fact, they feed on paper in the same way silverfish do.
• Clean your drains with an enzyme-based cleaner. Roaches get down into your drains and feed on rotting organic matter, particularly drains that have a garbage disposal, and unused drains, such as a drain in your laundry room.

Reduce Moisture

German cockroaches prefer a home that is high in humidity, and one that has many water sources.

• Use fans, ventilation, and dehumidifiers to keep your home dry.
• If you have a fan in your bathroom, use it during showers and baths.
• Fix leaky faucets and showerheads.
• Fix all plumbing issues.
• Reduce Hiding Places

German cockroaches prefer a home that has lots of tight spaces to hide in. While it is impossible to remove all the places these roaches can hide, you can deter them by removing clutter, and by organizing storage areas.

Mechanical Modification

A caulking gun is an important weapon in the battle against German cockroaches. It can help you seal gaps in your exterior to prevent roaches from continuing to get inside. It can also help you seal gaps in key areas, such as your pantry. This limits roach movement in your home and could cause them to gravitate to a location that has easier access between hiding places and food and water resources.

Direct Removal

If you find cockroaches, you can remove the roaches and their oothecae (egg cases) using a vacuum. When you do, be sure to put the bag outside, and clean the area thoroughly. Use gloves and a protective mask to guard yourself from sickness-causing particles and microorganisms that can be picked up by your skin and clothing.

Professional Control

Remember that you don't have to deal with cockroaches on your own. If you live in Dundalk, you're in our service area. Reach out to Miche Pest Control today for cockroach control. We use the most advanced and trusted methods in the industry. We'll get all those roaches out of your home.