German Cockroaches
COCKROACHES
Blog Feb 26, 2019
“The most common of all cockroach species worldwide is the German Cockroach pictured here”.
There is fossil evidence which indicates that cockroaches have been on earth for over 300 million years. The German cockroach did not originate in Germany as their name would suggest but instead scientists believe they originated in Southeast Asia. They are adaptable and have successfully adjusted to living with humans. They have survived every disaster in history, and they will survive many more. Although there are over 3,500 species of cockroach’s world wide in Canada, we commonly deal with four species. The German Cockroach, the Brown Banded cockroach, the American cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach. The common species that we deal with in Alberta and Saskatchewan is “The German Cockroach” (Blattella germanica).
“Since they have been on earth for millions of years these nasty bugs know how to adapt and are survivors!”
Life History
The German Cockroach has complete metamorphous- egg, nymph, and adult stage. Their life cycle spans approximately 100 days. The egg capsule is purse shaped and contains 30-40 eggs per egg case. Egg capsules are carried by the female protruding from the abdomen until it is time to hatch and will be deposited in a sheltered location. They are prolific breeders and in one year over 10,000 descendants can be produced, assuming two generations per year. They are the biggest breeders of all the cockroach families. This makes them the most pervasive roach species on the planet.
Facts about German Cockroaches
- They move extremely quickly and are fast runners and can run at a speed of 3 miles per hour.
- They are easily distinguished by two short black strips near the head
- They have two long antennae
- Fully developed wings (they rarely fly)
- They are nocturnal by nature and will flee when exposed to light. (a test to see your level of activity is when you go to bed at night and turn the lights off, quickly flick a light switch on in the kitchen and you will see them scurry away).
- If you see a cockroach by day you can assume you have a potential significant infestation since they are nocturnal by nature.
- Cockroaches can live without their heads for up to a week and will eventually die of thirst.
- Cockroaches can live for up to a month without food.
What does a German cockroach look like?
Cockroaches, in general, are flat and oval with six legs and a pair of antennae. German cockroaches’ range in size from ½ inch to 5/8 of an inch long. They are light brown to tan in color and often distinguished by two dark stripes down their back. Their feces resemble coffee grounds or black pepper. They emit an unpleasant odor.
How did I get Cockroaches?
The German Cockroach is transported into dwellings. This can be from grocery bags, boxes, used furniture, appliances, purses, luggage from travelling, staying at a place that has the problem and bringing them with you.
Where do German cockroaches live?
German cockroaches prefer warm and humid environments, close to food and water sources. They frequently invade residential properties by hitchhiking in grocery bags, cardboard boxes and second-hand appliances. Homeowners are most likely to find a German cockroach crawling around the bathroom or kitchen.
In Commercial businesses the areas that cockroaches can be found are near dishwashing machines, leaky plumbing, standing water, drains, bathrooms, water heaters etc.… Think in terms of food, water and warmth these are the necessary requirements for cockroach survival.
What do German cockroaches eat?
German cockroaches will feed on almost anything, including soap, glue and toothpaste!
Eliminate food sources for cockroaches – Drains beneath dishwashing machines, uncovered food, crumbs, grease and even toothpaste.
Are German cockroaches dangerous?
German cockroaches are more than just nuisance pests – they have been linked to disease transmission by picking up germs on the spines of their legs as they crawl through decaying matter. These germs are then transferred to food and other common surfaces that humans frequently touch. In fact, cockroaches are known to spread at least 33 different types of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other human pathogens. Additionally, the saliva, droppings and decomposing bodies of cockroaches contain proteins that trigger allergies and increase asthma symptoms, especially in children.
Cockroaches are insect pests that can infest homes, apartment buildings, grocery stores, restaurants, and any place they can find food, water, warmth, and shelter. Cockroaches cause health related problems as they can carry disease-causing germs and transmit them to household surfaces, food, or food contact surfaces.
Health Departments– When a cockroach problem is out of hand and presents a risk to the public the health department can order a business to be closed until the problem has been rectified.
How do I get rid of cockroaches?
Practicing good sanitation is key to preventing an infestation, as cockroaches spend most of their time near food sources. Homeowners should make a concerted effort to keep kitchen counters and floors clean and free of crumbs. It’s also important to vacuum frequently and dispose of garbage on a regular basis.
These are the key components of an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) approach to prevent cockroaches.
- Proper Sanitation– Eliminate food and moisture and maintain cleanliness.
- Exclusion- Sealing gaps around plumbing, electrical outlets and switch plates.
- Eliminate Water Sources– Eliminate water source. They will live less than two weeks without water.
- Eliminate Harborage- Any gap 1/16” or larger is a prime living area for the cockroach. Proper sealing needs to be implemented.
There are various treatment options to eliminate a cockroach problem. Dusts, chemical applications, baiting, fogging, aerosols, glue boards etc. Baiting is a useful strategy and can create a domino effect. The adult cockroaches will consume the bait as a stomach poison and die from the bait. The nymphs (the immature stage of the cockroach) will eat the droppings from the poisoned adults. The Cockroach will bring the bait back to the harborage area which can be difficult to locate, and the cockroaches will consume the bait. Kill Kill Kill from this domino effect. Not always will baiting alone do the trick. It can be a combined treatment strategy of the treatment options listed here. The most problematic problem is locating their nesting site. The technicians at JAPCO are trained licensed applicators that are experts in ridding you of a cockroach problem in you home or business.
Ridding a cockroach problem, yourself can be very problematic. Many over the counter products that a homeowner can utilize is often ineffective against cockroaches. They may even be resistant to some extermination methods.
If you find one cockroach in your home, it’s likely there are many more hiding in cracks and crevices. German cockroaches can breed at a rate of up to six generations per year. If you suspect you have a cockroach infestation, contact your JAPCO Pest Control Professionals to properly identify the species and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.
Say Goodbye to Cockroaches and call JAPCO Pest Control for elimination!
1 877 755 2726 www.japco.ca
