German Cockroaches: A True Villain
What is a German Cockroach?
A German cockroach is the most common roach found throughout the United States. German cockroaches are often associated with restaurants, food processing centers, hotels, nursing homes, and residential homes.
Identification
An adult German Cockroach is light brown to tan, with two distinct dark parallel stripes on their back. Adults typically grow to about half an inch in length, making them smaller than some other cockroach species.
Females tend to be darker.
Nymphs are dark brown to black with the same stripes.
Behavior
Nocturnal Activity: German cockroaches are primarily nocturnal, preferring to stay hidden during the day and becoming more active at night.
Reproduction: These roaches reproduce rapidly, with a single female capable of producing up to 40 eggs in a single capsule.
Common Habitats
German cockroaches thrive in warm and humid environments. Common hiding spots include kitchens, bathrooms, and areas with access to food and water.
Signs of an infestation
Sightings: Seeing live roaches, especially during the daytime, is a clear sign of an infestation.
Droppings: Roach droppings resemble black pepper or coffee grounds in concentrated areas. Check for droppings where roaches are likely to hide, such as kitchen cabinets and drawers.
Egg Capsules: German cockroaches produce egg capsules, which are brown, bean-like structures. These capsules contain multiple eggs and are seen in cabinets, countertops, on and inside door hinges, door trims, baseboards, and small cracks. Finding egg cases indicates a breeding population.
Shed Skin: Roaches shed their exoskeletons as they grow. It suggests an active infestation if you discover translucent, shell-like skins in areas where roaches hide.
Smear Marks: Roaches often leave smear marks on surfaces as they navigate through tight spaces. These marks may appear as dark streaks on walls and other surfaces.
Odor: German cockroaches emit a distinctive, unpleasant, musty odor. If you notice an unusual smell in areas where roaches are likely to hide, it could indicate an infestation.
Prevention
Sanitation: Keeping living spaces clean and food debris-free is the first line of defense. Regular cleaning helps eliminate potential food sources for cockroaches.
Sealing Entry Points: Identify and seal any cracks or openings in walls, doors, plumbing, and windows to prevent cockroaches from entering the premises.
Control
Some approaches for an infestation include sprays, gel baits, dust, and insect growth regulators with proper inspections to seek the source. Constant treatments are required - two weeks apart until the infestation is under control.
