Evansville, Indiana
If you've ever flipped on the kitchen light at night and spotted a roach scurrying for cover, you know how unsettling these pests can be. Here in Southern Indiana, we see a few different species of cockroaches, but one stands out as the most persistent invader—the German cockroach (Blattella germanica). These small, fast-moving roaches can infest homes, apartments, restaurants, and just about anywhere they find food and shelter.
At Yikes Pest Control, we understand how frustrating a roach problem can be. Let's dive into what makes German roaches such a nuisance, how they spread from one home to another, and what you can do to get rid of them for good.
The Most Common Roach in Southern Indiana: The German Cockroach
While American cockroaches (often called "palmetto bugs") and Oriental cockroaches can be found in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces, German roaches are the most problematic species in Southern Indiana homes. These pests thrive indoors and reproduce at an alarming rate.
How to Identify a German Cockroach
Size: About ½ to ⅝ of an inch long
Color: Light brown to tan with two dark, parallel stripes on their back
Habitat: Kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere they can find moisture and food
Activity: Nocturnal—if you see them during the day, you likely have a major infestation
Unlike other cockroaches that might wander in from outside, German roaches are indoor pests that rely on humans to spread. They don’t survive well in the wild, so if you have them, they were likely carried in on something—groceries, cardboard boxes, used furniture, or even a visitor’s belongings.
How Do Roaches Move from One House to Another?
One of the most common concerns homeowners have is, “Where did these roaches come from?” German cockroaches don’t just randomly wander into your home from the outdoors like ants or spiders. Instead, they hitchhike. Here’s how they spread:
Grocery bags and packaging – Roaches and their egg cases can hide in food packaging or shipping boxes.
Used furniture and appliances – If you’ve recently brought in a secondhand couch, microwave, or fridge, check it carefully.
Luggage and personal belongings – If you’ve stayed somewhere with a roach problem, you might bring a few unwanted guests home.
Shared walls and plumbing – In apartments or duplexes, roaches can travel through cracks, vents, and even electrical outlets.
While it’s easy to assume a roach infestation came from a neighbor, they can just as easily come from places you visit, deliveries to your home, or even something as simple as a child’s backpack.
How to Get Rid of German Roaches
Once German roaches establish themselves, they multiply quickly. A single female can produce hundreds of offspring in just a few months. That’s why professional treatment is often the best solution.
What You Can Do to Help
Keep your home clean – Wipe up crumbs, store food in sealed containers, and take out the trash regularly.
Fix moisture issues – Roaches need water to survive, so repair leaks and reduce humidity.
Be cautious with items brought into your home – Check boxes, bags, and furniture before bringing them inside.
Call the professionals – At Yikes Pest Control, we specialize in eliminating German roaches with safe, effective treatments that stop them at the source.
Need Roach Control in Southern Indiana?
If you're seeing roaches in your home, don’t wait—they won’t go away on their own. The longer you wait, the worse the infestation becomes. Call Yikes Pest Control today or visit our website at www.yikespest.com to schedule an inspection.
For even faster service, check out our Google reviews and see why homeowners across Southern Indiana trust Yikes Pest Control to handle their pest problems.
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