German Cockroaches: How Did They Get Here?

24 Feb German Cockroaches: How Did They Get Here?

Now that you know how to identify these pesky critters, let’s explore the ways they can and do gain access to your home or business.

Having existed for millions of years, it’s easy to understand how the German cockroach became such an adaptable species and how we find sometimes unfortunately find ourselves sharing spaces with them.

So, how’d they get in? For starters, the German cockroach is a stealth hitchhiker. They can simply catch a ride with supplies as you’re leaving a store. When you purchase groceries, they can tag along in one of your grocery bags and are subsequently introduced to your kitchen or pantry.

In restaurants, they travel with imported or purchased supplies, particularly in boxes. For businesses, if an employee has heavy activity at their home, German cockroaches can be introduced to the building when they’ve entered the handbag or backpack of an employee and that item is brought into the workplace.

Their other means of invading your space is through access your building allows. This access looks like cracks and holes in your walls or doors; or tears in window screens. Access is also provided through gaps created where pipes pass through your walls, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.

If you find yourself suddenly sharing a space with a German cockroach, one of the best ways to prevent increased activity is to keep your space clean. This involves cleaning up any food, or food crumbs and water or other liquid spills, immediately. Frequently washing your dishes and organizing your kitchen cabinets eliminates both excess food source and hiding places.

Removing clutter like cardboard boxes and other packaging material also help prevent infestations in commercial buildings.

It is nearly impossible to prevent a pest like the German cockroach from accessing your home or building. However, you can follow the tips provided to stop an infestation from happening.