Dealing with a cockroach infestation is certainly no one’s idea of a good time. Collins Exterminating in Bolivar, MO, has made a living locating and exterminating all types of creepy critters, one of the most common being the German cockroach. You might have some questions as to what exactly these roaches look like, as well as what types of living conditions they thrive in, so Collins Exterminating has compiled some information for you below. 

Here’s their comprehensive guide to these pests:

• How Do I Identify German Cockroaches? German cockroaches are usually light brown and tan in color and can be identified by the two black horizontal stripes located directly behind their head. They also have wings and will fly when disturbed, although they prefer to stick close to the ground. Unfortunately, these pests rarely travel solo, which means if you’ve spotted one in your home, there are likely others hiding somewhere nearby. 
• What Do They Eat? Like most roaches, German cockroaches will eat just about anything. However, there are a few food items that will attract their attention more than others, including meats, sweets, and breads. You can identify their presence by roach droppings, which resemble coffee grounds and are usually found in drawers, cabinets, and other areas that can be good hiding places for crumbs. 
• How Do They Enter Your Home? Roaches can enter your home a variety of ways, the most common being through gaps and cracks on your property. For this reason, keeping all doors and windows well sealed, as well as roof flashing and any other fixtures leading to the outside, is recommended. They can also enter your home through your plumbing system, but regular maintenance and drain cleaning will help reduce this possibility. 
• Where Do They Thrive? Roaches don’t only enter your home in search of food: Quite often, they’re trying to find a warm, dark place to nest. Cockroaches can usually be found hiding in dark, damp areas like your bathroom or kitchen (under the sink cabinet), or other tight places, like behind picture frames or in cracks in the wallpaper.

Fighting a cockroach infestation is never easy to do alone, which is why the exterminators from Collins Exterminating are always on call to help. Contact them today at (417) 326-2124 to learn more about their pest control services, or visit them online for a closer look at what they do.