Why Are German Cockroaches In Jacksonville So Terrible?

Currently, German cockroaches are a big problem in Jacksonville and along the First Coast. Not that they aren’t an issue always; we’ve just seen a significant increase in activity lately. Why do they do so well here? There are a few key factors to consider. Today's blog post will identify how German roaches get in, where they prefer to hide, and what conditions allow them to thrive. We will also cover the health risks associated with German roaches and offer some prevention tips to help you guard against sickness. As always, your Lindsey Pest Services team is available if you need advice or treatment options. Feel free to contact us. 
 

How German cockroaches get in

There are a surprising number of ways these insects enter homes and businesses. The following is a partial list but a good starting point.

• They can get in through gaps around doors and windows.
• They often enter through cracks in your foundation or gaps between foundation slabs and sills.
• They take advantage of damp or decaying wood that can easily be manipulated. 
• They commonly hitchhike from structure to structure in grocery bags, cardboard boxes, and used furniture. 

It isn't easy to keep German roaches or other types of cockroaches out, and it is even more challenging if the conditions around the house are attracting them.

What attracts German Cockroaches to houses?

German cockroaches behave in a predictable way. It helps to know what motivates these insects to take up residence inside homes and buildings.

Hiding places
German cockroaches prefer to avoid encounters with humans, so while they rest for their nocturnal wanderings, they need places to hide during the day. Common hiding places inside include under or behind kitchen appliances, near sinks, basements, ceilings, and bathrooms. 

Moisture
Although cockroaches can survive for several days without food, they cannot go without water for long. Leaking or sweating pipes, standing water, damp crawl spaces, and other areas with moisture problems will attract these pests. 

Food
German cockroaches are not picky eaters. They will happily feast on garbage in uncovered trash cans, indulge in grease build-up on the side of the oven, and consume crumbs and spills on the floor. Additionally, they will eat dog food, toothpaste, hair, and decaying matter.

Conditions that allow German Cockroaches to thrive

The same conditions that attract cockroaches in the first place ensure the roach population thrives. They will gravitate to warm and humid spaces. Moreover, their numbers will rise in response to available food and water. One way to stunt population growth is to keep your kitchen clean and store food in airtight containers with lids. As we noted above, German cockroaches also eat decaying matter, hair, glue, fecal matter, and other strange things so sanitation is key to deterring cockroaches. You should also take a look at the moisture in your environment and address issues. 

How German cockroaches make people sick

It's not surprising that these insects can make you sick, given what they eat and where they like to hide. The main health issue is that they can pick up harmful germs with their feet and leg spines and transfer them to surfaces where food is prepared, as well as plates, cups, toothbrushes, and other items. They are also known to worsen allergies and exacerbate asthma symptoms in children.

How to prevent problems with German roaches

There are a few ways you can work to deter German cockroaches. We've touched on them, but here are a few detailed suggestions:

• Use caulk or expanding foam to create physical barriers to deter cockroaches from entering your home.
• Alter conditions that draw them to your exterior.
• Replace weatherproofing materials that are worn out.
• Repair damaged screens.
• Keep your exterior and interior as clean as possible.
• Manage moisture around your exterior and humidity within your home.
• Protect indoor food sources.
• Remove trash routinely and keep your bins clean.

Proactive methods like these will also help deter cockroaches and many other pests. If it’s too late and you’ve already noticed signs of cockroach activity, a year-round pest control service plan is a great solution. 

Contact Lindsey Pest Services for help eliminating German roaches

Lindsey Pest Services provides industry-leading cockroach control and proactive cockroach prevention for homes in Greater Jacksonville and along the First Coast from Fernandina Beach to Crescent Beach. 

To eliminate German cockroaches and other pests that try to take over homes in our region, we highly recommend signing up for our Good Pest Control Plan. This ongoing home pest control service is the ideal solution and offers regular pest treatments for 30+ common house-infesting pests, including German cockroaches! Check out the plan features below or give us a call to discuss your pest problem! 

This blog originally published in 2021; it has been updated to include the most up-to-date information about German cockroaches in Jacksonville.