How to Get Rid of German Cockroaches

German cockroaches are strong and resilient insects that make infestations difficult to eradicate without professional pest control services. Prevention is key; as cockroaches thrive in warm environments that provide food, water and shelter - essential elements that they require in order to survive in your home. Take steps to eliminate all three in your environment by eliminating food sources, sealing cracks and crevices and eliminating nesting sites in order to eliminate an infestation quickly and permanently.

These pests are attracted to any food source, particularly starches, sugars, grease and meats. To combat their presence and keep these scavengers away from your pantry and home, regularly wipe down surfaces, wash dishes and dispose of any crumbs as soon as they form; store pantry items in airtight, sealed containers; dispose of garbage promptly as cockroaches may hitch rides inside empty bags; check behind or underneath refrigerators, water heaters or damp areas for signs of cockroaches.

Remind yourself that cockroaches can hide in small crevices and cracks around your home, so to protect against their entry seal any noticeable holes with caulk and make sure door and window screens remain undamaged. Check any new packages carefully as cockroaches have been known to hitchhike in cardboard boxes.

Sticky traps similar to products designed for mice are an effective means of combatting cockroaches, as their sticky surfaces contain thick layers of glue designed to capture pests once they crawl on top of it. Such sticky traps make an effective addition to other methods like baits or sprays since they can easily reach hard-to-reach places where cockroaches might hide.