German cockroaches are widely accepted as the most troublesome cockroach pests in the world. They outperform all other roaches in the "pest" department and they are the most widely distributed. They can be found infesting man-made structures on every continent, excluding Antarctica. If this cockroach species finds its way into your North Dallas home, you're going to have your work cut out for you. It isn't easy to convince German cockroaches to live somewhere else—though it is not impossible.
Step 1: Stop German Cockroaches From Getting In
Before you can get control of cockroaches in your North Dallas home, you have to consider why they're getting inside in the first place. It has to do with roach populations near your home and the availability of entry points.
Attractants — There are many things that attract German cockroaches. Top of the list is open trash, leaf litter, damp habitats, wood piles, clutter, and animal waste. If you have any of these near your home, you need to address them.
Entry Points — Cockroaches can get into your home through gaps that you don't even know you have. But they tend to target gaps and openings that can be checked and repaired, such as damaged weatherstripping, door sweeps, weep hole covers, vent covers, and seals around foundation penetrations. A foundation penetration is anything that "penetrates" your foundation, such as water mains, sewer pipes, septic pipes, gas lines, oil lines, wire conduits, etc.
Step 2: Make German Cockroaches Uncomfortable In Your Home
There are two things that can make German cockroaches want to live with you: Water and food. We could provide a long prevention list, but here are just a few to help you understand what you're looking to correct:
Keep your floors and rugs clean.
Clean counters and pick up spills immediately.
Clean off food shelves.
Clean your couch and your chairs.
Store your foods in sealed containers.
Put pet food down only during meals.
Do your dirty dishes as you go or leave them in soapy water until you can get to them.
Remove your trash every few days.
Keep your trash in covered containers.
Address plumbing leaks or leaky faucets.
Clean drain clogs.
Step 3: Target And Remove Any Roaches In Your Home
There are products that, when properly deployed, can capture or knockdown the cockroaches that are in your home. It is essential to use a multi-pronged approach as cockroaches can be born with chemical resistances and bait aversions. If you use a product that is known to work, it can fall short of dealing with your specific German cockroach infestation. It is best to have a licensed pest professional select and administer a group of control products to ensure the best results. Not only can it cost you time, energy, and money trying to get rid of cockroaches on your own, but you can mistakenly think you've dealt with your problem only to allow roaches to continue to cause roach-related illness in your home.
DANCAN, The Pest Control Expert
Do you live in North Dallas? If so, you're in our service area. Why not let DANCAN The Pest Control Expert take care of your cockroach issue. We use industry-leading pest control strategies and a multi-pronged approach to counter the inherited resistances of German cockroaches. And, once your infestation has been corrected, we can advise you on how you can prevent future cockroach infestations by providing you with insight about your property, or by offering ongoing services. Reach out to us and request a free estimate to get started.