The Truth About German Cockroaches In Wilmington North Carolina

Cockroaches often conjure mental pictures of filthy houses filled with piles of garbage. Or perhaps you’re more familiar with large American cockroaches, sometimes called Palmetto bugs, that are common in southern states. German cockroaches are the most common roach to invade Wilmington homes, and although they do enjoy dirty environments, the truth about German cockroaches is that they can get into any house, even a clean one.

What Do German Cockroaches Look Like?

German cockroaches are small, typically about ½ inch in length. They are tan or light brown in color, with two darker stripes down their backs behind their heads. German cockroaches have six legs and two long antennae.

What Problems Do German Cockroaches Cause?

It’s true that German roaches enjoy spending time in filthy locations. They are often found in sewers and dumps, on animal feces or rotting carcasses. Because of this, when they get into your home, they spread germs wherever they go. Roaches are known to transmit over 33 diseases and at least six types of parasitic worms. Furthermore, when German cockroaches get into your Wilmington home, they can cause problems for family members with asthma or allergies. Cockroach saliva, urine, and shed body parts are known to trigger symptoms in some individuals.

How Do I Prevent Cockroaches From Getting Into My Wilmington Home?

Roaches can get into your house from outside, but it’s also possible to carry them inside in boxes or bags. It’s wise to look through your belongings before bringing them inside to make sure you’re not accidentally bringing home an uninvited guest. Though cockroaches do hitchhike into homes, they may find their way inside by other means. You can, however, make your home less attractive to German cockroaches that may try to get in from outside by exercising the following prevention tips:

• Seal as many openings into your house as possible, including gaps, cracks, and holes.
• Eliminate food sources inside your house. Store food in airtight containers and not on the counter.
• Clean up after each meal or snack, making sure to wipe down countertops and clean dirty dishes.
• Sweep or vacuum frequently, including under large appliances.
• Take out the trash on a regular basis. Keep humidity low in your house.
• Check often for leaking pipes and drippy faucets.

Why Are German Cockroaches Hard to Eliminate?

Although German cockroaches enjoy dirty environments, they’ll happily invade any location that offers food and water. Once they get inside your Wilmington home, they are very difficult to eliminate. 

First, they’re excellent at hiding. They don’t often come out during the day and can hide in areas that you wouldn’t think to look or are difficult to access. They prefer moist areas and will hide in the smallest crevices behind appliances, underneath sinks, or behind drawers.

German cockroaches are also difficult to kill. They can survive underwater for over half an hour. They can even survive for a week without their head! Many of them are resistant to chemicals, so traditional over-the-counter treatments don’t work on them.

Finally, German cockroaches breed quickly. Even if you start with a small infestation, it will quickly grow into something that's difficult to control without professional assistance. When you try to eliminate them, you may kill some of the cockroaches, but you are just as likely to miss some of them, allowing the infestation to continue.

How Do I Eliminate German Cockroaches?

If German cockroaches get into your home, you need the help of professionals. Bug-N-A-Rug Exterminators has the knowledge, skill, and equipment necessary to eliminate your German cockroach infestation, no matter how big or small. We are cockroach experts and will protect your home from these dangerous pests. Contact us today to schedule a pest control appointment. Bug-N-A-Rug is here for you!