The best way to exterminate German cockroaches (Blatella Germanica) is to identify them, the places they’re hiding in your house and knowing the best treatment available to get rid of them for good.

Identification starts with knowing what they look like, so here’s what you need to know: 

What They Look Like:

German cockroaches are small, light brown to tan in color and usually around 1.2 to 1.6 centimeters  (less than an inch) long. One of their tell-tale features is two black stripes across their back. They can produce more than 400 eggs during their lifetime and although their average lifespan is only three to six months, an infestation of them in your home will make you swear they live forever. And, since their life-span is so short, infestations can happen FAST! Since they don’t bite and are not aggressive, they pose no immediate physical harm, but they are very good at spreading all kinds of diseases, which makes them very bad to have in your house.

Places They Can Be/Signs Of Infestation

Signs of a German cockroach infestation include pepper or coffee ground-like droppings or dark stains & smears near cracks and openings in the walls, doors and by food sources. This is usually accompanied by a musty smell in the space(s) they occupy. We perform visual inspections to identify the areas where the cockroaches are living, looking for droppings, egg casings, and other, often more subtle signs, like food droppings. Because German Cockroaches don’t set up one large, single nest or colony, we’re very thorough in our investigation making sure to look for any places that are dark, warm and damp. Once the areas are identified, a course of action can be taken.

Exterminating Them

There are generally two main ways to get rid of German Cockroaches: Bait and chemical treatments. In both cases, professional treatment is always the best and surest way to handle them; not only will professional treatment get rid of them faster, but it will also make sure whatever treatment is used is done in the safest manner possible. After all, what’s the point of stopping cockroaches spreading germs and disease if mishandled and misused baits and chemicals come in contact with your family?

For Infestations

Choosing between chemical and bait solutions will be a matter of job scope. In other words, the size of the infestation and the complexity (and delicacy) of where it is in the home, will help us determine the best course of action. In some cases, bait stations make the most sense because they can be used to lure cockroaches in with poisoned food and get them to take the bait back to their nests. But because cockroaches do not live in colonies, but rather in “nested areas” throughout a structure, sometimes methodically applied chemical applications are better for reaching them more quickly and completely. Some infestations call for both.

For Keeping Them Out

What We Can Do

After we’ve exterminated the infestation, we can help keep your home roach-free with our Integrated Pest Management service. This program consists of scientifically and time-based methods of application, monitoring & maintenance designed to keep roaches- and lots of other insects out of your house.

What You Can Do

• Keep It Clean: The first and most important thing you can do to keep cockroaches away is to keep your place clean. Routinely wipe down counters, sweep and mop the floors, and take out the trash.

• Lose The Clutter: Cockroaches love to hide and they thrive in clutter, so get rid of anything that gives them a place to do this- stacks of paper, cardboard boxes, clothes piles; if they can nest in it, it’s got to go.

• Suck It Up: Regular vacuuming is important. Cleaning carpets and other soft surfaces like sofas and chairs picks up eggs, roaches, and crumbs. This is true for crevices in baseboard corners, under cabinets & more. The harder it is to clean, the more important it is to clean.

• Caulk-the-Caulk: This is something we do with our Integrated Pest Management Service. Sealing any openings or voids with caulk can help prevent future infestations.

• Seal The Deal: Cockroaches are always on the lookout for food, so make sure any food or drinks that are left out are sealed properly to keep them out. The less they have to eat, the less they want to be in your house.

German cockroaches, or cockroaches of any kind, are not fun to have in your home and in fact, can be dangerous. But you don't have to live with it! Just give us a call and we'll get rid of them. 916.282.1822