• German roaches always live indoors, usually invading the kitchen, pantry, and bathroom
• They like to hide in cracks, crevices, or other protected areas that are suitably warm and humid during the daytime hours

• Food, water, warmth
• German roaches are especially attracted to foods that have sugar, starch, or grease, but will feed on almost anything

• Some German roaches can pick-up, carry and spread harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, to other surfaces that they walk across
• They deposit their feces in cupboards, sinks, and on countertops
• They are a source of allergies and asthma in children (make sure to sweep up and remove dead cockroaches and their feces to decrease this impact)

Eliminate their food and water sources and hiding places:

• Remove food spills and exposed food, especially near appliances
• Store food in sealed containers
• Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink
• Take out the garbage regularly and tie the bag tightly
• Toss out old boxes and newspapers that serve as good hiding places
• Clean and vacuum regularly behind ovens, microwaves, toasters, and refrigerators
• Keep food out of bedrooms and living rooms
• Keep storage areas dry

Seal up points of access to keep them out:

• Caulk cracks and crevices where roaches can hide
• Seal areas where they can enter your apartment from neighboring units

Avoid common mistakes during treatment

• When using baits or gel, be sure you do not place them on areas that have been sprayed with an aerosol or liquid insecticide.  Roaches traveling over sprayed areas will die before they have a chance to bring the bait back to the nest.
• Never spray the bait or gel with an aerosol or liquid insecticide – cockroaches will not eat it
• When using baits or gels, be sure to remove competing food and water sources so the roaches are forced to go to the bait
• Replace baits at intervals prescribed on the label or when they are completely eaten
• The more baits you can place and the closer you place them to where the roaches hide during the day, the better your control will be