German Cockroach:
Appearance | Diet |
Biology & Habits | Sanitation | Inspection |
German Roach Control - Recommendations
The German cockroach is one of the most common roaches
found in apartment houses, restaurants, and hotels. German cockroaches
(eggs included), are "brought in", usually on man's belongings, luggage,
boxes or packages. All it takes, is bringing in one egg capsule, six
months later you have an infestation.
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How to Get Rid of German Roaches
German Cockroach Appearance
Adults are 1/2 inch- 5/8 inch long, light to medium brown with 2 dark distinctive
stripes behind the head. The young (nymphs) are wingless, smaller and much
darker in color, with a light stripe on their backs.
German Cockroach Diet
Will eat anything, will stay close to food and water source.
Habits and Biology of German Cockroaches
Females produce one egg capsule every 3-4 weeks. Each capsule contains
25-45 eggs,the largest capsule of all roach species that would infest a building. The female will carry the egg capsule with her until it is
ready to hatch, making it less hazardous for the nymph to survive.
It also has the shortest period to develop from hatching until sexual maturity. The populations of German cockroaches will build up faster than other species The young (nymphs) will be able to breed in as little as
36 days. A combination of these traits produce what entomologists call a "high reproductive potential."
German cockroach nymphs are smaller than most other cockroaches; thus, they are able to conceal themselves in many places and remain protected.
Adult German roaches can live up to one year.
These roaches are
mostly active at night .
If they are seen during the day, it is usually because their hiding
places are overcrowded due to a large population or there is a shortage
of food and water supply.
Any crack or crevice located near a source of food and/or water is prime
harborage, and they spend about 75% of their time in such harborages.
First instar nymphs require a crack of about 1/32" whereas, adults require
a crack of about 3/16" in width.
Infestations are generally found in kitchens and bathrooms, but can inhabit
other areas if there is a heavy population or you have run them into each
other with the repellent effect of insecticides.
The German cockroach can move well within a building. They also can travel from a neighboring apartment or location to another and can pass through small openings like light switch plates.
Many times they are brought in with grocery items, grocery bags, cartons, handbags, and luggage.
An inspection is important to find all potential harborages and a determination if it had been brought in with certain items.
If insecticides have been used in a building, their is a possiblity that the German cockroach simply scattered to another area. These harborages need to be located and treated.
It may not be possible to eliminate all the German cockroaches in a building completely if a consistent supply of cockroaches is carried into the premises via packages or food shipments.
German Roaches & Sanitation
- When begining your German roach control program, sanitation is one of the first things to consider. German roaches only need a small amount of food to sustain them.
- Remove indoor trash or keep them emptied.
- Keep trash dumpsters clean.
- Make sure food is not left in sink stainers and frequently run the garbage disposal.
- Keep dishes clean, no residue of food remaining.
- All kitchen appliances (microwaves, toasters, ovens, refrigerators and stoves) should be maintained in a clean condition so that it is food free and grease free.
- All pet food needs to be picked up.
- No food left out.
- Sweeping or vacuuming of any food particles or crumbs.
- Clean any crumbs or food particles in your kitchen cabinets.
Inspection : Look for Evidence
When inspecting for German cockroaches, thoroughness is very important. It is important to place the insecticides as close to their runways and harborages as possible. Their excrement looks like black pepper.
A flashlight would be a handy tool.
Check:
Cracks and Crevices
Behind and under refrigeratorsBehind and under stovesBehind and under microwavesa and toasters
Under tops of tables
Behind and under sinks
Cabinets-corners and cracks and crevices Motors of refrigerators and soft drink dispensing machines Switchboxes and electical outlets Under and behind cafeteria counters and soda fountains
Cash registers
Telephones
Vegetable bins
Recycling bins
Meat counters and check-out stands
Meat cutting blocks
Anywhere else conditions are favorable.
Every situation may be different, inspect all places with favorable conditions
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