German Roaches in Alabama
Finding an infestation of pests in your house or business is never pleasant. Of the most common Alabama pests, German roaches present a special challenge. Their propensity to multiply means a small infestation can quickly turn into a large problem. If you’re wondering about the best way to prevent German roaches or remove them, you’ve come to the right place.
This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know about German roaches. You’ll learn how they spread, which of their habits are the most harmful to your health and property, and what professionals do to remove and prevent them for good.
The Guide to German Roaches
Understanding the threats that German roaches present is essential to prevention and removal. These annoying pests may be common in Alabama, but they’re still dangerous and difficult to eliminate without professional pest control services.
Let’s dive in!
What Are German Roaches?
German roaches, also known as German cockroaches (Blattella germanica), are a common indoor roach species in the United States. German roaches are tan to light brown, and they are relatively small in size. At around ½ inch long, these roaches are smaller than other species and easily fit into small spaces.
German roaches are most identifiable by their two black stripes that run parallel down the back. If you find one of these tan bugs in your kitchen and see these stripes, you have a German roach.
German roaches are known for their speedy reproduction process. One female German roach can have 600 babies in her lifetime, and each egg casing holds 30–40 eggs. Given the short maturation time, these cockroaches can take over a space fast.
Problem in Alabama?
In Alabama, cockroaches are some of the most common household pests. While they have an affinity for kitchens and bathrooms, they can take over other parts of your home or business if they get a chance to hide and reproduce.
So why are German roaches such a problem? Here are the top 5 reasons:
- Transmission of Disease: German roaches are potential carriers of bacteria and viruses such as E. coli, salmonella, and staphylococcus.
- Allergies: Roach saliva, droppings, and skins cause respiratory problems, especially in children and those with asthma.
- Multiplying Quickly: The population can double quickly, with a small infestation becoming a large one in weeks.
- Contaminating Food: Roaches can cause severe food spoilage and damage that lead to foul odors and smells.
- Ruining Quality of Life: Roach droppings, skins, and carcasses are unpleasant and unhealthy to live with.
If any of these problems sounds like something you have now or want to avoid in the future, call a professional (preferrably us!) now before the infestation worsens.
Signs of German Roaches
We’ve touched on this a lot but, early detection truly is the best way to protect your home or business from a small problem becoming an infestation. You’ll need to know what to look for when you suspect you have a problem. If you see any of these signs of a German roach infestation, call a professional:
1. Fecal Matter
Roach droppings may resemble coffee grounds or black pepper. You may find these specks near drawers, shelves, and cabinets.
2. Egg Cases (Oothecae)
Brown, oval-shaped egg capsules are usually glued to a hidden surface. Oothecae typically contain 30–40 eggs each.
3. Strong Odor
Heavy infestations give off a musty, oily odor because of pheromones. If your kitchen or bathroom area smells foul for no obvious reason, roaches may be the problem.
4. Live or Dead Roaches
Just know roaches are more active at night, it’s unusual to see them in broad daylight.
Signs of Roach Hiding Places
You can find German roaches near sources of food and moisture, as is typical with most Alabama pests. Their hiding places are usually dark and offer shelter near their food sources. Roach hiding places in homes and businesses include:
Kitchens
- Pantries
- Cabinets
- Under sinks
- Drawers
- Garbage cans
Bathrooms
- Under the sink
- Behind the toilet
- Near drains
Appliances
- Under ovens
- Behind dishwashers
- Behind the refrigerator
- Microwaves
- Toasters
- Coffee makers
Furniture
- Behind or beneath upholstered furniture
Electronics
- Computers
- Printers
- Entertainment systems
Sources of German Roaches
We’ve all heard the myth that cockroaches only infest dirty spaces, but this just isn’t true. Roaches can enter any home or commercial space, and they can cause a big problem if they do. Roaches can enter your home or business through:
- Grocery Bags & Cardboard Boxes: Roaches often hitch a ride in packaging from an infested grocery store or delivery.
- Used Appliances or Furniture: Borrowed or used items may harbor egg cases.
- Neighbors in Apartments: Roaches can move from unit to unit through shared plumbing or electrical voids.
- Open Doors and Windows: Especially in the summer, when people like to ventilate their spaces.
- Cracks and Gaps: Small holes around baseboards, pipes, and door frames make an easy entry for roaches.
How to Prevent German Roaches
Preventing a German roach infestation is always better and less expensive than removing one. There are several steps you can take to keep German roaches out of your Alabama business or home:
1. Keep a Clean Space
- Wipe down counters and floors regularly to get rid of crumbs and grease.
- Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
- Vacuum frequently to remove food crumbs and roach eggs.
- Regularly vacuum and clean under and behind major appliances.
2. Eliminate Moisture
- Fix leaks and dry out moist areas with dehumidifiers.
- Eliminate standing water in basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.
3. Seal Gaps and Cracks
- Caulk cracks around floors, baseboards, and walls.
- Install door sweeps and repair window screens.
- Seal holes or gaps around pipes and utility lines.
4. Store Food Properly
- Use air-tight containers for all dry goods.
- Seal stored pet food and don’t allow food to sit in bowls overnight.
5. Take Out the Trash
- Use tightly sealed trash cans.
- Take out garbage regularly and don’t let it pile up indoors.
Professional Removal of German Roaches in Alabama
Prevention is ideal, but even the cleanest homes and businesses can suffer from a roach infestation. For a German roach problem, professional pest control is the most effective way to quickly get things under control.
At Steel City Pest, our goal is to identify the source of the problem and find solutions. We use several methods to remove German roaches from your Alabama space, including:
1. Inspection
Our certified pest control team will visit your location to inspect common hiding places and potential food and water sources.
2. Targeted Treatments
- We use a mixture of gel baits and insect growth regulators (IGRs) to target the source of the problem.
- We also apply a safe residual spray to eliminate roaches hiding in hard-to-reach spaces.
3. Monitoring
We offer follow-up visits and continued monitoring to prevent future infestations.
4. Integrated Pest Management
Our eco-friendly solutions use environmentally responsible methods to kill German roaches.
Why Use Steel City Pest?
Steel City Pest is your go to source for help if you or family/friends are dealing with roaches. Here’s why:
- Local Alabama Expert: We know your pests and their habits.
- Certified and Experienced: Our team has the experience and tools to help.
- Affordable Costs: We offer transparent pricing and service packages.
- Guaranteed Satisfaction: We stand behind our work.
Conclusion
German roaches are more than just an irritating nuisance. Infestations can happen to anyone and, given the right conditions, they can cause major problems. When it comes to removing German roaches in Alabama, it’s important to understand the risks, how to identify the pest, and what you should do to prevent and remove them. Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, Steel City Pest is here to help you fight back and protect your property.
