Keeping German Cockroaches & Their Germs Out Of Your Louisville Home

Most of us know what a cockroach is. But there is one cockroach that is head and thorax above the rest. It is called the German cockroach. We're taking a few minutes today to discuss what a German cockroach in Louisville is, some of the common problems German cockroaches cause, and what you can do to reduce these problems.

German Cockroach Identification

An adult German cockroach is pill-shaped, about ½ inch long, tan in color and has two dark stripes on the back of its head, which may look like an equal sign, depending on what angle you look at them. It has 6 legs, 2 antennae, and 3 body parts. On its 6 legs, you'll find tiny little spines. Those are tactile spines. They help the cockroach feel what is around it. They also do a pretty good job of picking up harmful bacteria when the cockroach climbs around in dumpsters, sewers, and other dirty places.

What is unique about a German cockroach?

The German cockroach is widely considered to be the most successful structure-infesting insect in the world. Among cockroaches, it is somewhat unique in its ability to live in very un-cockroach-like conditions. While some cockroaches prefer to stay outside where there are water sources and lots of dampness, the German cockroach does just fine in conditions that are too dry for other cockroaches. It can also live in areas that don't have an abundance of rotting organic material. When you combine these with the tiny size of a German cockroach, you have a recipe for a difficult infestation.

German Cockroach Problems

All roaches are drawn to things we would consider to be dirty, and with their propensity for getting into Louisville homes and staying, German cockroaches are the greatest risk for the spread of illness. They will feed on a rotting animal carcass, eat animal feces, live in sewer systems, climb in dumpsters, get into compost, and more. From these dirty places, they come right into our homes and get into our kitchens and pantries.

Diseases Spread by Cockroaches

Studies have shown that roaches are mechanical vectors for an impressive number of illnesses that result from exposure to bacteria. They pick up parasitic worms, such as hookworm, and deposit them in pantry and kitchen foods. They aggravate the symptoms of Asthma by leaving their body parts, saliva, and feces in ventilation ducts. These act like dust mites when they become airborne.

Bite Hazard

While German cockroaches don't prefer bite, they can and do bite. As a population grows, these roaches have to look for more options for food. While they would much rather feed on the hair in your hairbrush, they may nibble on your hair while you're sleeping. They'll also feed on the dead skin in eyelashes or on your body. This can lead to accidental bites. If you or someone else in your home is bitten by cockroaches, you can expect the wounds to get infected and swell. This is because bacteria from the outside of the cockroach is immediately introduced into the wounds.

How do German cockroaches get in?

It doesn't take much of a crack, gap, or hole to allow cockroaches into your home, and German cockroaches need even less of an entry point. Immature nymphs are so small, they can slip through the holes of an outlet cover. It is very difficult to keep these roaches out of your Louisville home.

What To Do About Cockroaches in Louisville

If you're dealing with German cockroaches or any other kind of roach, the best solution is to contact Action Pest Control. We'll help you find a comprehensive and lasting solution to your cockroach problem. Reach out to us today for fast service and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Louisville.