German cockroaches are common in Florida and are relatively small, growing to about half an inch in length. They have light brown bodies with two darker brown parallel stripes down their backs. Like other cockroaches, German roaches have six spiny legs and a pair of long, thin antennae. Although this species has wings, it rarely flies. Instead, it prefers to run.
Yes, German roaches can be harmful to human health. As they travel through sewers, drains, dumpsters, garbage bins, and other unsanitary places, they pick up pathogens that cause human illness, including E. coli and salmonella. German cockroaches are also known to trigger allergy and asthma symptoms in some people due to a protein in their saliva, urine, and fecal matter.
German cockroaches are prolific breeders. Their egg capsules contain up to 40 eggs, which can develop into adults in as little as 45 days. This allows a small infestation to grow very large very quickly.
For the most part, German cockroaches do not cause much damage to property. Since they eat things like paper and glue, they may cause minor damage to personal belongings, such as books or wallpaper, but they won’t cause structural damage when they infest homes or businesses.
German cockroaches spend a lot of time in unsanitary places like the ones mentioned above. They prefer warm, humid environments where decaying organic matter is abundant. It’s common to find them in dumpsters and garbage bins, as well as on animal carcasses and waste.
Unlike American cockroaches that prefer the outdoors, German cockroaches prefer indoor environments. Property owners are most likely to find them in kitchens and bathrooms where there is plenty of humidity, and the temperatures tend to stay warm.
German cockroaches often get into homes by “hitchhiking” on items people bring inside. They may get into a grocery bag, a backpack, boxes, or even furniture from another location with a roach problem.
These pests eat almost anything, so if they get into your house in search of food, they won’t have trouble finding something to eat. They prefer warm and humid homes with small cracks and crevices where they can hide.
You are most likely to find German cockroaches in your kitchen or bathroom, so those are the first two areas to inspect if you think you have an infestation. Some signs of a German cockroach infestation include the following:
Trying to eliminate a German cockroach infestation on your own will not work. German roaches breed rapidly, are good at hiding in hard-to-reach areas, and are resistant to many over-the-counter products.
If you have a German cockroach infestation, you must eliminate every last roach to protect your family’s health. Professional cockroach control from Anti-Pesto is best for a roach infestation.
For relief from German cockroaches or other pests, contact Anti-Pesto Bug Killers. Locally owned and family-operated, our Tampa Bay pest control pros are well-versed in identifying and eliminating cockroach infestations.
You’ll need to make it as uninviting as possible to keep German cockroaches out of your house. We recommend the following pest prevention tips:
From the first contact call the staff was very professional, courteous and informative. We discussed the issues and set a plan with an appointment within a couple days. Shane, our technician, was very prompt and courteous. Very informative during the inspection process and strategically put a deterrent plan in place. I would highly recommend Anti-Pesto Bug Killers.
Jim J.
Largo, FL
We had a wasp infestation in our backyard shed. Anti-Pesto responded immediately and were out to our place within about two hours and took care of everything thoroughly. They will even follow-up again within two weeks to be sure that the problem does not recur. They are awesome!
Daniel Z.
Largo, FL
Amazing quality work. I’ve had a few pest control companies spray and ants would still enter our home and act as roommates. Sam Hurtado is our technician and he answers everything with knowledge and always brings quality work. Even if there was recent pest work they always arrange if I have issues. Thank you!!
Trish N.
Tampa, FL
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