German cockroaches are well-known indoor cockroaches, and are found worldwide. Adults are easily recognized by their light brown or tan coloration with two black horizontal stripes located on the pronotum immediately behind the head, and growing to a length of 13-16 mm. The much smaller young, or nymphs, are darker, almost black in color, also with the black stripes behind the head.

German cockroaches are most commonly found indoors, with a preference for the warmer and more humid areas of a structure. In homes, these insects will typically be found in kitchens and bathrooms, but can move to other areas of a home if food and moisture are available.

How the infestation begins:

In most cases, German cockroaches are introduced into a structure or residence when bags, boxes or cardboard containers are brought into the home. They may even be brought in with used appliances. In multiunit apartment buildings, German cockroaches can easily move between units, using the shared plumbing and pipes as a highway.

Reproduction

German cockroaches are known for their ability to reproduce quickly. Female German cockroaches only need to mate once for the production of young. After mating, and under normal conditions, they will produce, on average, 4 to 6 egg cases during the course of their lives, with each egg case, or ootheca, containing approximately 30 to 40 eggs. This egg case is then carried by the female until 1 to 2 days before hatching. Depending upon the conditions, the average time for development, from egg to adult can range from 54 to 215 days, with an average of approximately 100 days.

Health Risks associated with German Cockroaches:

In addition to being a nuisance, the German cockroach has been implicated in outbreaks of illness and allergic reactions in many people. Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. They can pick up germs on the spines of their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage and then carry these into food or onto food surfaces. Medical studies have shown that German cockroach allergens cause allergic reactions and can exacerbate asthma attacks, especially in children. This makes German cockroach control incredibly vital.

How to tell if you have a cockroach infestation:

Droppings

German cockroach droppings may appear as small, dark, “pepper-like” material left on countertops or in drawers. Fecal staining may appear as dark spots or smears, some that are slightly raised, in the corners of rooms, along the tops of doors or around small cracks and openings into walls.

Egg Capsules

Since German cockroach females carry their egg case until 1 to 2 days before depositing it, empty egg cases may be found in areas that the females frequent.

Odor

German cockroaches are also known to secrete a number of odorous compounds. When populations are present in large numbers, it may be possible to detect a mild, or what some have reported as a “musty” odor.

Eliminating the infestation

The approach to a German cockroach infestation is different in all cases depending on the size and location of the infestation. Vacuuming to pick up the eggs, using baiting is one of the first steps. Our technicians then use a spray to begin the initial knockdown of the numbers of cockroaches.

Due to Canadian health and safety regulations no chemical in Canada will penetrate a cockroach egg. Glue boards in the appropriate areas will collect females and egg sacs over a week or two. If egg sacs hatch on the trap, the nymphs are caught immediately, which helps stops the spread of the cockroaches.

The glue board also acts as a monitor, letting the technician know eggs are hatching and next treatment is due to kill new generation before reproducing. In multiple dwelling buildings and high rises, caulking of appropriate areas to prevent future access is highly recommended. All appliances must be inspected, then treated as the insulation combined with warm compressors create heat, then cool downs, creating moisture, which attracts cockroaches.

German Roaches & Sanitation- How to keep them from coming back

• Remove indoor trash or keep them emptied.
• Keep trash dumpsters clean.
• Make sure food is not left in sink strainers 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.

Truly Nolen Canada’s Four Season’s approach is your year-round solution to residential pest control. We use the highest quality materials and environmentally conscious methods to get the pest-free results that you and your family deserve. This targeted combination of materials, the most advanced application methods, and exclusion works together to dramatically increase effectiveness.

Call 888-832-4705 today for your free inspection and protect your home, and your health. Proudly serving: Dundas, Ancaster, Oakville, Hamilton and Burlington.