No two German cockroach infestations are exactly the same. So, we can't tell you here how you can address your specific infestation. What we can do is explain why German cockroaches want to live in your home and provide you with some tips for altering conditions that are causing you to have an infestation, we can also help mitigate an infestation and explain why German Cockroaches are bad to have around.
Cockroach Attractants
While no two infestations are exactly the same, the conditions that inspire an infestation are very similar. Here are some common factors that will attract cockroaches to your Phoenix home or business.
Moisture
If you understand the role moisture plays, you can have a big impact on roaches. If you have a stack of books in a dry space, they're not going to attract cockroaches. But, that same stack of books in a humid or damp space will be a beacon for roaches. We often recommend that folks remove certain objects from storage spaces, especially boiler rooms. If you have paper products or fabrics stored in a humid space, these can be a catalyst for roach habitation.
Another factor to consider with moisture is that most species of roaches are intolerant to dry conditions. The German cockroach is the most successful roach species due, in part, to its ability to tolerate dry conditions—but that doesn't mean they like it. If you address humidity, dampness, plumbing leaks, and condensation in your home, it could make German cockroaches seek another place to live. Keep in mind that this is not a solution in and of itself. It needs to be part of a multi-pronged approach that includes the other tips we're going to provide today.
Food
It should come as no surprise to you that German cockroaches look for food in your home. But are you aware that they have a preference for decaying food? If you have a box of potatoes, it could be a target for cockroaches. If you have fruit sitting on a kitchen island, this too can give roaches what they're looking for. But it goes far beyond this. Roaches will feed on oils and grime on the sides of your oven. They'll eat sludge in your drains. They feed on feces, wallpaper, hair, dead skin, dead insects, and other odd things. Clean and deep clean to deter German cockroaches. Make sure to consider your trash as well. Keep your trash in a covered container and remove it often to avoid providing a food source for roaches. We also recommend keeping your trash receptacles clean. A clean home is a roach-resistant home.
Clutter
Cockroaches love tight spaces. When they get into secluded storage areas, they look to hide in every gap, crack and compressed space they can find. Keep things orderly and consider putting storage items in sealed plastic totes. This keeps German cockroaches out of your stuff and also provides wide spaces between the totes that are less attractive than thin gaps between stacked boxes.
Access
A caulking gun is a powerful tool in the war on cockroaches. You can use it to seal gaps around pipes that come in under your kitchen sink. You can use it to fill gaps in your kitchen and pantry walls. You can fill in holes in your exterior that have been created by wood-damaging pests. Seal your exterior as best you can to resist cockroaches and alter conditions around your home to create an environment that is free of organic matter and moisture. These will work together to deter roaches.
Targeted Roach Control
Sometimes cockroach pressures are higher than normal, or there are conditions present that cannot be altered. In these cases, targeted control methods must be used. We recommend having a pest control provider handle this.
Phoenix Roach Control
If you live in Phoenix, reach out to us. The team here at What's Bugging You Pest Control is the local authority on common pests and uses a wide range of pest control services and strategies to ensure the best results possible. Connect with us today for residential or commercial exterminator services in Phoenix, and tell us about your roach problem. We're here to help STOP what bugs you today!