Cockroaches: How to Get Rid of American and German Cockroaches Quickly

Seeing a cockroach racing across your room can make you shiver. Moreover, you might wonder if you are living in the right neighborhood and if your housekeeping habits are correct. Don’t run away from your home and don’t be ashamed of this problem. Cockroaches are one of the most common pests. 

Here are some tips and tricks that can help you with recognizing the types of cockroaches, learn what attracts them, and how to get rid of them. Those pests are not only nasty looking but also carry disease-causing microorganisms. Moreover, they can pollute your house with excrement and their skin. Both create a health hazard. 

If you have cockroaches in your house, you might even notice increased itching, sneezing, wheezing, and have watery eyes. 

Types of Cockroaches (German and American)

There are two more common cockroaches that attack human inhabitants: German cockroaches and American cockroaches. 

German Cockroaches 

They are flat and have a tan or brown color. You can recognize them by two dark lines that start at the back of their heads. They have fully developed wings, but they cannot fly. German cockroaches are usually small, from 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch. They can quickly reproduce. The female can have seven sets of offspring with up to 40 eggs at a time. After getting out of the egg case, a cockroach is very similar to an adult, but a bit smaller and without wings. 

American Cockroaches 

American cockroaches have an oval-shaped body that reaches 1.4 to 1.6 inches in length. However, in some cases they grow more than 2 inches. They have a reddish-brown color. The area behind the American cockroach’s head is outlined by a yellow band. Females and males have wings, and they are capable of flying short distances. 

What Attracts Cockroaches to a House?

Whether you deal with American or German cockroaches, the main reason they enter the house is searching for a place to live. They like warm and moist places that are abundant in food. 

Cockroaches are scavengers. That means they are happy to eat almost anything. Their primary source of food is garbage cans. Sweet, greasy, starchy, or meaty, it doesn’t matter – cockroaches are going to eat it. And if they don’t have access to these garbage delicacies, they are going to eat pet food, soap, excrement, glue, hair – literally anything. 

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

If cockroaches attacked your house, the best way is to get cockroach professionals to get rid of them. That is the quickest and most effective method of getting rid of pests from your house. 

You can also try to get rid of cockroaches on your own using the following methods: 

Roach Baits

As cockroaches constantly look for water and food, you can easily create roach baits by adding some insecticide into the food. This way, you can get rid of cockroaches that are hiding behind walls and cracks. 

You can get insecticide products in many stationary stores or online. Once you prepare the bait, place it every six feet, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. You can also add some extra portions around cupboards, cabinets, or any place you noticed them before. 

Insects are going to follow the food and eat the deadly bait. Moreover, they might also take it to the whole colony that is hiding behind the wall, making your efforts more effective. 

Roach Dust

You can find insecticides in the form of dust or powder. The most common is boric acid that is considered the most effective. After contact with the surfaces treated with this product, cockroaches die. The particles stick to the roaches’ bodies, so they can spread them in the colony. 

As long as the surface with boric acid is dry, the product works. You can get this type of insecticide in bulk cans, as well as squeeze bottles. The layer that you apply should be barely visible, as roaches avoid accumulated powders. 

The crucial areas that you should cover with boric acid are the edges and corners of furniture such as cabinets. You should also add some in the junctions of the walls and floors. Don’t forget about the area behind the fridge, dishwasher, stove, etc. You can also place it around the connection of pipes and walls/floor. 

If you have a hollow space under the cabinets in your kitchen or bathroom, apply the boric acid there as well. 

Roach Sprays

Another way to get rid of roaches is using a spray that can kill them. The market has a lot to offer, including non-staining sprays. Never use it on surfaces that have contact with food. 

Whenever you see a cockroach, spray it. The spray can kill the pest and sanitize the surface. Avoid this method if you decided to set cockroach bait. They are going to work if a live cockroach brings the bait to other pests.

If you have kids, pets, or you are concerned about your own health and environment, you can reach for more natural options. Some sprays use essential oils, including cinnamon and clove oil. A cockroach can die quickly after spraying. After that, you just have to clean the surface of the excess oil.

Prevention 

Once you get rid of cockroaches from your house, prevent them from reentering. The best way is to create a bug barrier. You can use spray or powder around the spots where cockroaches can enter to make them not feel invited. 

Always seal the holes that can create an entrance for those pests. Store food in closed containers and never leave garbage out for too long. 

Conclusions

Cockroaches are one of the creepiest creatures in the world. Once they enter a home, they can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. As they spread illnesses, they become a threat to your health. 

If you notice one cockroach, most probably there is a whole colony hiding behind your furniture, in holes, and behind the sink. Act fast, following the advice mentioned before. If you feel that you have lost control, contact a specialist that can quickly help you with your pest problem.

 If you’re looking for the right team to handle the issue for you, Synergy² is here to help. We provide trusted services throughout the area, so contact us for the best pest control services around.