getridgermancockroach.com

What should I do on day one?

On day one, focus on cleanup, not products. Wash dishes right after meals, wipe down counters, and dry up any standing water. German cockroaches survive on tiny amounts of food and moisture, so removing that residue cuts off their supply fast.Pull the stove and refrigerator away from the wall if you can, and vacuum up droppings, egg cases, and dead roaches you find.

Am I sure this is a German cockroach?

German cockroaches are light brown to tan, about half an inch long as adults, with two dark parallel stripes running down the thorax just behind the head. Nymphs look similar but smaller, darker, and without wings.They're easy to confuse with other roaches. Wood roaches wander in from outside, don't survive long indoors, and lack the double stripe, even though people often mistake them for an indoor infestation.

Where do I look for the source?

German cockroaches stay close to food, water, and warmth, which usually means kitchens and bathrooms. Start your inspection at the stove, refrigerator motor compartment, dishwasher, and under the sink.Look for droppings that resemble ground pepper, small brown egg cases called oothecae, and a musty smell in heavier infestations. Check cabinet hinges, the underside of shelves, and gaps around plumbing.

How do I get rid of German cockroach activity without pesticides first?

Sanitation and exclusion solve most of the problem before you ever reach for a spray. Seal cracks around baseboards, cabinets, and pipe penetrations with caulk, and fix any leaking faucets or slow drains that give roaches a water source.

What about pesticides?

This step usually comes after you've already tried to get rid of German cockroach activity through cleaning and trapping alone. If sanitation, trapping, and exclusion haven't resolved things after a few weeks, an EPA-registered product labeled for cockroaches and for the specific site can be part of the plan.