If you’ve seen German cockroaches in your home, you know how fast they can take over. These dark brown roaches with dark stripes on their backs are some of the hardest pests to get rid of. They hide in small crevices, multiply quickly, and carry allergens that can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
If you’re dealing with an infestation in Casselberry, here’s what you need to do to get rid of them.
Key Takeaways
- German cockroaches hide in dark, warm places near food and water, and infestations get worse if ignored.
- Food storage, leak repairs, decluttering, and sealing cracks help prevent roaches from settling inside your home.
- Roach bait, insect growth regulators, boric acid, and black pepper work better than sprays for cockroach control.
- Regular cleaning and professional pest control services keep cockroaches from coming back and prevent future infestations.
Look for Signs of a German Cockroach Infestation
Before tackling the problem, find out where the German roaches are hiding. These pests love warm, dark habitats near water sources and food sources.
In Florida homes, this type of roach often thrives in these hiding spots:
- Under stoves and refrigerators
- Inside dishwashers and cabinets
- Around faucets and leaky pipes
- Inside cardboard boxes or cluttered storage areas
- Behind baseboards and inside basements
If you notice droppings that look like black pepper, egg cases (ootheca), a musty odor, or even shed antennae, you likely have a serious roach problem.
Cut Off Their Food and Water Supply
German cockroaches survive where there’s easy access to food and water. To make your home less inviting:
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Clean up dirty dishes right away.
- Sweep crumbs from countertops and floors.
- Keep pet food in sealed containers.
- Fix any leaky faucets or pipes.
- Take out the trash often.
Declutter and Block Entry Points
Roaches love clutter, especially in cardboard boxes and paper piles.
Get rid of unnecessary items, and store things in plastic bins instead. Then, inspect your home for entry points and seal cracks around windows, doors, and baseboards using caulk.
Blocking their way inside is a key preventative measure for pest control.
Use Roach Bait and Insect Growth Regulators
Instead of using sprays, which only kill roaches on contact, use roach bait and bait stations. These work by attracting roaches to eat poisoned food, which they take back to their nest, killing others.
For extra effectiveness, use an insect growth regulator (IGR). This stops nymphs (young roaches) from growing into adults that can reproduce, breaking the cycle of infestation.
Try DIY Methods Like Boric Acid and Black Pepper
For a DIY approach, lightly dust boric acid in areas where roaches travel. When they walk through it, the powder sticks to their bodies and eventually kills them. Research shows that it works fastest on young nymphs, killing them in as little as three days, while older roaches take longer to die.
Black pepper is another natural repellent. Its strong smell keeps roaches away, though it won’t eliminate an infestation. Research has shown that its extract repels certain insect pests, which suggests it may work as a deterrent for cockroaches too.
Clean Your Kitchen and Bathroom
Since German cockroaches thrive in messy kitchens and bathrooms, deep cleaning is essential. Be sure to:
- Pull out stoves and refrigerators to clean behind them.
- Wipe down countertops and inside cabinets.
- Clean inside dishwashers and around faucets.
- Scrub tile and grout where roaches may hide.
- Vacuum and mop floors often.
Roaches leave behind feces, shed egg cases, and even old antennae, so regular cleaning helps remove these and prevent them from returning.
Call a Professional Pest Control Company
If your DIY efforts aren’t enough or the roach infestation is too large, call a pest control company.
At Rowland Pest Management, we specialize in cockroach control and offer pest control services in Casselberry. Our team of exterminators not only targets German cockroaches, but also American cockroaches, brown-banded cockroaches, and Asian cockroaches.
Keep Roaches from Coming Back
Once you’ve gotten rid of your pest problems, take steps to keep them from returning:
- Continue to seal cracks and close entry points
- Keep food sealed in airtight containers
- Maintain a clean home, especially in the kitchen and bathroom
- Schedule regular pest control services for long-term pest management
Contact us today for a free quote on our professional pest control services. We’ll create a custom cockroach control plan to help you reclaim your home
Frequently Asked Questions
Can German cockroaches spread diseases to humans?
Yes, German cockroaches carry bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, contaminating food and surfaces. Their droppings and shed skin can also trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children and sensitive individuals.
How quickly can a German cockroach infestation grow?
A single female can produce hundreds of offspring in just a few months. Since they reproduce rapidly, a small infestation can become severe quickly if not controlled early.
Do German cockroaches survive in cold weather?
Unlike some pests, German cockroaches prefer warm indoor spaces and struggle in cold temperatures. However, they can survive winter by finding shelter in heated homes, making year-round prevention necessary.
