Pittsburgh German Cockroach Control Exterminator
Pretty much the worst insect ever. The German cockroach has been around nearly 300 million years. That means that they’ve had plenty of time to evolve and adapt into one of the reviled creatures on Earth. They’ll infest a structure, no matter its size or purpose, and take over. Those millions of years have also allowed them to learn the most efficient way to breed rapidly and survive in some of the harshest conditions.
Why do I have them? There’s no definite rhyme or reason for German roaches to be in your home other than the same reason you live there. They’ll enter a structure, set up shop in secluded, tight areas and venture out during quiet times for food, water and love. They’re usually attracted to grease, meat, starches and sugar-rich items, as well as steamy moist areas. Those reasons are exactly why people end up with roaches in the kitchen over any other area in a home.
How can I prevent this from happening? Depending on various conditions and factors, prevention may be difficult if not impossible. In multi-unit housing, such as condos, townhomes, row houses and apartments roaches can originate in one area of a building and rapidly take over. Discussing a suspected issue with a landlord may prove valuable if you feel the origin is not your unit, as full-building or multi-unit treatment may be necessary. In family homes, the best way to prevent roaches from multiplying quickly is to keep your kitchen neat and tidy. Frequently cleaning stovetops, under as well as inside the fridge, countertops and other appliances are major deterrents for roach invasion. Also, the consideration of keeping attractive products tightly contained will prove useful in prevention.
How do I get rid of them? Well, they may be able to survive nuclear fallout, but we here at Budget Pest Control, Inc. employ safe and effective state of the art German cockroach control treatments for these roaches with the use of non-invasive products. Our German cockroach control products are effective at eliminating roaches in all stages of life; whereas most store bought “bombs” are only useful on adults (the eggs and nymphs will remain and continue to grow up happy and healthy.) So save your money and give us a call, your wallet and stress level will thank us.
Call Budget Pest Control 24/7 After a chat with one of our friendly, informative office personnel, you will better armed than a Russian missile silo to handle these most difficult of pests. And better yet, our trained, certified technicians are available to be out at your property 7 days a week (just not the same ones)!
Stats
German cockroaches can be identified as an oval-shaped insect, tan to light brown in color with dark parallel lines striping its back, usually measuring around ½ to 5/8 of an inch in size. They are commonly found in great numbers near areas of moisture or heat.
Did You Know?
- German cockroaches have the ability to live without their heads for up to a week at time.
- German cockroaches have been shown to be highly attracted to alcoholic beverages, especially beers. It is thought to be due to the combination of hops and sugar.
- Cockroaches, in general, are some of the most ancient creatures on the planet, with evidence showing them to be as much as 280 million years old.
Myths & Facts
MYTH: German cockroaches only spread disease by leaving their fecal matter in food-prep areas.
FACT: While this is not necessarily a myth, it is true that the disease spread by German cockroaches is much more a factor of organisms being transported by their bodies and legs as they move across surfaces. These diseases include food poisoning, dysentery, diarrhea and other forms of gastroenteritis.
MYTH: Roaches can survive nuclear fallout.
FACT: Roaches have been found to survive fallout to a degree. The aftereffects of a nuclear blast have been shown to do little or nothing to them, whereas close contact with intense radiation will surely kill them.
Signs of An Infestation
- The most obvious sign of an infestation of German cockroaches will be their physical presence, but it is not always so easy to detect. These insects are usually found when an unsuspecting homeowner returns late at night or goes to rummage through the fridge, only to see them scurry away from sources of bright light.
- Collections of fecal matter near areas of tight gaps is another sign, the roaches will leave their waste just outside of a hiding place, which is usually wherever they can rest comfortably with pressure on their back and stomach.
- While not necessarily a sign of infestation, a vector of infestation is the presence of filth, whether it is grease, waste, food, sugars or standing liquid in areas with a regulated temperature. Always make sure to clean areas of kitchens, bathrooms and basements well to prevent possible infestation!
Cockroaches FAQ
How did I get cockroaches?
People often blame a cockroach problem on poor housekeeping. While cleaning floors, kitchens, and bathrooms is useful and very important to reduce food sources used by cockroaches, they may get inside and cause an infestation for other reasons. These pests can hitch a ride on infested items brought inside, get indoors via cracks and gaps in the home’s exterior, enter through drains or sewer pipes and a few species of cockroaches can fly inside when attracted to lights. They can also enter with boxes, cardboard or paper from stores or other sources.
How serious is cockroach infestation?
- While cockroaches are one of the most common pest problems, they are also one of the most stubborn. Infestations are hard to get rid of because the insects hide in a host of areas, breed quickly, have an extremely high reproductive potential, and may develop resistance to pesticides.
- Cockroaches often taint food with E. coli and Salmonella bacteria, so it’s not safe to ignore these pests. Exposure to cockroach feces and the body parts of dead roaches over time can even trigger allergies and asthma.
How long does it take to get rid of cockroaches?
The length of time it takes to rid your home of a cockroach infestation depends largely upon species and size of infestation. Many over-the-counter products homeowners utilize often prove ineffective against a cockroach infestation. These pests are extremely adaptable and may even be resistant to some home extermination methods.
Why can’t I just treat myself?
Cockroaches are better at hiding than you are at finding them, and their eggs are naturally protected from many over-the-counter insecticides. Without special equipment, materials and know-how, cockroach control can be a losing battle.
What can I expect from my treatment?
- We will send you the Home Preparation sheet for what you will need to complete to prepare for this treatment.
- Your technician will call when on the way to your property. Your technician will assess the interior of the home, likely focusing on areas of the kitchen where utensils, dishes and food are stored. The technician will likely place product under shelving, behind the stove, refrigerator and under sinks.
- Your technician may make additional recommendations after assessment and treatment.
