As the most common type of roach in the country, it's no surprise that German cockroaches can be quite a problem for homeowners in Lake Worth Beach. So how do you keep them away? Here's what local residents need to know about German cockroaches, the ways they can be harmful to your health, and how you can use pest control in Lake Worth Beach to get rid of cockroaches.

How To Differentiate German Cockroaches From Other Roaches

When it comes to cockroaches in Lake Worth Beach, there are three main types – and it's important to know how to differentiate American and Oriental roaches from German cockroaches: 

• German cockroaches: As one of the smaller house-infesting roaches, German cockroaches have dark bodies but can be identified by two parallel stripes that run behind their heads. While they do have fully-developed wings on their back, they aren't able to fly. If you spot them at all, they will be traveling on foot around your home. 
• American cockroaches: American roaches, also called palmetto bugs, can grow over two inches in length and are the largest house-infesting roach. They lack the characteristic stripes that German cockroaches have. Instead, they have a yellow figure-eight marking behind their heads. 
• Oriental cockroaches: Oriental cockroaches are easier to distinguish from the other two, with dark, glossy bodies that may look oily or shiny when you spot them from a distance.

How Are German Cockroaches Harmful To Your Health?

While cockroaches are always harmful to your health, German cockroaches can be especially dangerous because they spend a lot of time in unsanitary places, like sewers and drains. While they are there, German roaches may pick up harmful bacteria and pathogens. These substances then contaminate surfaces in your home when they infest your house. 

Cockroaches can spread this bacteria through droppings but also by simply walking across surfaces in your home, like counters, tables, cabinets, and other places where you may prepare or eat food. 

Besides the bacteria that they may spread, German cockroaches have an enzyme in their saliva, droppings, and skin, which can cause allergy or asthma flare-ups in some people. The longer an infestation goes on and the larger it becomes, the worse symptoms may become, especially for younger children that may be living in your home. 

How Can I Get Rid Of German Cockroaches?

German cockroaches can be harmful to your health, which is why it's important to get rid of infestations as soon as you notice them. These pests can reproduce quickly and are expert hiders, but they can't escape from those of us at Above and Beyond Pest Control.

We've got years of experience fighting off German cockroaches and other types of roaches in the Lake Worth Beach area, and we know that our job isn't done until your home is completely and permanently pest-free. If you think you may have German cockroaches living in and contaminating your home, there's only one effective solution. Call us today at Above and Beyond Pest Control to learn more about our cockroach control services.