How to get rid of German cockroaches

German cockroaches are household pests that pose many risks, from food contamination to the aggravation of allergies or asthma. These small, secretive pests prefer hot temperatures and high humidity and will ensure kitchens and bathrooms are their favourite locations. If you are having a problem with a cockroach population you do not want at home, join the club. In this blog post, we will discuss the places where you can find German cockroaches, how to avoid inviting them into your house, signs of an infestation and ways to get rid of them. We also look at ways of exterminating German cockroaches using environmentally friendly procedures if you have any preference.

Identifying Common Hiding Spots for German Cockroaches

First, you have to know their location before you can successfully combat your German cockroach menace within your home. German cockroaches are night active, which means you can hardly see them in the daylight. Yet there will always be several indicators that can lead someone to believe that they exist for they will always leave behind several markers.

Key areas to check for German cockroaches:

• Kitchen and Pantry: German cockroaches are drawn to food, especially areas containing crumbs, grease and other covered food residues. Roaches generally prefer to conceal themselves in little spaces around foods such as cabinets, beneath the refrigerator, beside ovens, and inside dishwashers. Cockroaches can also be found behind and beneath kitchen appliances.



• Bathrooms: Cockroaches most prefer warm and moist areas which are correctly suited in your bathroom. Mould growth is easily found near sinks, under bathtubs, over and near drains, and at the back of toilets. Look for any area where you find dampness, this is a sign that they are disguising themselves.



• Basements and Utility Rooms: Such places are less likely to be trodden hence likely to hide cockroaches, especially in corners or behind. Storage areas are also likely to harbour cockroaches since people usually do not disturb them that often. Darkness complicates roach control since the cool, moist conditions that are all around their ideal habitat are hidden in the dark.



• Behind Walls and Baseboards: Cockroaches like to hide in the vicinity of darkness such as behind the walls and baseboards. Especially, one should look for droppings or egg casings in these sections of the house.

Pro tip: When looking for these pests, these areas should be viewed with the help of a flashlight since they easily hide there.

How To Maintain a Home to Prevent German Cockroaches

Keeping one's home clean is one of the best ways to minimize the chances of developing a procession of cockroach problems at home. German cockroaches are non-selective feeders and indeed, one will find many food particles in a dirty house to feed on.

Here are some essential cleaning habits to adopt:

• Clean Up Food Scraps Immediately: Cockroaches are omnivores capable of consuming absolutely anything from food particles, fats and oils, to pet foods. In case of any spillage, ensure that it is cleaned up immediately and the floors shine by washing them or vacuuming them regularly.



• Store Food Properly: Store foods properly in well-covered containers; this particularly applies to dry foods such as cereals and pasta, rice and grains. These insects can gnaw on cardboard or even plastic packaging thus using airtight containers will help to guard your meals against these creatures.



• Clean Dishes and Utensils Promptly: Cockroaches are known to be attracted to dirty dishes left outside when clean up has been left out overnight. This is why food should not be left on dishes, utensils or cookware because it allows it to breed quickly if left to dry.



• Take Out Trash Regularly: bins need to be emptied every day especially when there are leftovers that have been placed in them. It would help to mention that cockroaches like to dwell in the garbage bin, so it has to be closed properly to avoid that.



• Wipe Down Surfaces: Take time to wipe chine the countertops, tables and other surfaces often. The aspects to be taken into consideration with this species where their presence is associated with food particles and moisture, hence avoiding these areas will help to minimize their admissions.

Note: Clean your pet’s feeding bowls too! It is important to know that cockroaches can feed on pet foods in large amounts.

Check for Signs of Infestation Before Eliminating German Cockroaches

If you wish to begin treating your home for the German cockroaches then there are a few signs that you should first look for. German cockroaches are active at night but if you do not see any in the morning you should look for other signs that may indicate their presence.

Key signs of a German cockroach infestation:

• Droppings: These grains are black and resemble peppercorns and can be easily seen close to the areas they visit or feed on such as the kitchen or bathroom. In this case, if you see droppings in the pantry or any other place where food storage is done, then you are sure that you have an infestation.



• Egg Casings: Female cockroaches create small, oval brown or black cases called “ootheca” that can contain from 10-40 eggs. These casings are usually concealed in those parts which are not frequently visited in the house such as behind the refrigerator or in the cabinets.



• Smear Marks: Cockroaches change their direction constantly so behind the insects, there is always grease or brown streaks. These are known as “smear marks” and are also a sign of an infestation.



• Unpleasant Odour: When the infestation is really bad, it carries a smell that is typically described as musty or oily. This stench intensifies with the number of people living in that room, and it might change the nature of the air you breathe at home.



• Live Cockroaches: The actual sight of live cockroaches. If they are running around on your floor or darting in and out of your kitchen, then it may be time to act.

Ways to Get Rid of German Cockroaches

When you are sure that you have a problem with German cockroaches then it is time to start doing something about it. Several methods can get rid of them such as using chemicals or using natural non-toxic remedies.

1. Use Cockroach Baits and Traps

These can be in the form of cockroach baits and traps. Cockroach baits and traps are effective tools in capturing and eliminating German cockroaches. It is important to note that these baits are poisonous and the cockroaches put it in their nest to eliminate other cockroaches, too.

Gel Baits: Gel baits must be placed where you have seen cockroaches, for instance behind cracks and crevices. The cockroaches will tend to eat the gel and then retreat to their nest. The dead roaches are then eaten by other beings thus passing the poison on.

Sticky Traps: These traps work like foot-pedals where cockroaches step on, and are trapped immediately. Put them on walls, behind fridges, and other places where many people tread so that you can keep an eye on the infestation.

2. Use Insecticidal Sprays

Insecticide sprays are very helpful for instant solutions for your problem especially if you have many of the bugs at home. But, they do not exterminate all of them, because some of the cockroaches can stay on the treated surfaces.

Target Cracks and Crevices: When spraying concentrate on the places where you usually find cockroaches such as near the baseboard, behind the cabinets and appliances.

3. Professional German Cockroach Control

If you try to eliminate the infestation and fail or the infestation problem is severe then you may need to involve a professional exterminator. Thanks to them, people have the means, know-how and skills to get rid of the infestation immediately and successfully.

Effective Natural Methods for Eliminating German Cockroaches

For those who would rather avoid using chemical sprays for treating cockroaches, there are other solutions, they are natural and harmless to humans. These remedies might do the job slower but are harmless to both humans and animals.

1. Diatomaceous Earth:

Diatomaceous earth (DE) refers to a powder that is natural and non-toxic and is derived from fossilized algae. It functions by depriving cockroaches of water and eventually, they die. It should be spread in places where those nasty bugs are usually seen, under appliances, in the seams, etc.

Pro tip: In addition to this, when taken internally, use food-grade diatomaceous earth because it is safe for both humans and animals.

2. Essential Oils:

There are some oils such as peppermint, tea tree or lavender oil that have cockroaches’ chasing abilities. Cockroaches are repulsive by the smell of these oils and they will run away from areas where the oils are burned.

How to Use: Dilute some droplets of the essential oil in water and spray them in the places that experience cockroach movements. However, you may put cotton balls dipped in essential oils in black spots or any areas where the cockroaches thrive.

3. Baking Soda and Sugar

Cockroaches are also eliminated by a mixture of baking soda and sugar. The sugar draws the cockroaches in while the baking soda makes their stomachs fill up and die.

How to Use: Apply a solution of baking soda and sugar at places where roaches are likely to be found; for instance, close to the refrigerator, beneath the baseboard, or at corners.

4. Bay Leaves

Other natural cockroach repellents include bay leaves. The odour of bay leaves repels the presence of cockroaches and the insects are driven away from any place where the leaves are placed.

How to Use: You only have to put bay leaves in the pantry, the drawers and other places where you see the cockroaches.

Final Thoughts

German cockroaches are hard to deal with but with the given steps in this blog, you can easily eradicate these pests and stop them from coming back again. It’s needed to be more careful in cleaning and mending the signs of cockroaches as soon as possible. Regardless of what method you decide to use, whether chemical or perhaps natural compounds, it is very important that you repeat it over and over until you’re sure that your house is free from these creepy cockroaches.

You should understand that there is nothing better than not letting the cockroaches get into your compound in the first place. Well, you are advised to clean your living spaces regularly, seal cracks and crevices and attend to any dampness problems at once. Therefore if you remain vigilant you will ensure that your home does not harbour these pinch-waist fellows and will leave your home and family free from creepy cockroaches.