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• German Cockroach

Blatella germanica

The German cockroach originated in Africa, but is now commonly found throughout the world. They (and their eggs) are usually brought into a home or structure by people in luggage, boxes or packages.

Adults range from ½ inch to 5/8 inches long. They are light to medium brown with 2 distinctive stripes behind the head. Adults have wings, however they do not fly. The young (also known as nymphs) are wingless and are smaller and much darker in color, with a light stripe on their backs. An adult's lifespan can reach up to a year. Cockroaches tend to travel at night and are known to hide in cracks and crevices that offer a dark, warm, humid environment.

The German cockroach is often found in apartment dwellings, restaurants, and hotels. They prefer a warm, moist environment and it is not uncommon to find them in kitchens near dishwashers, stoves, sinks and bathrooms. They require water and will thrive in damp sub-floor crawl space areas, near leaking taps, etc.

Females produce one egg capsule every 3-4 weeks (or approximately 5 egg capsules in a lifetime). Each capsule contains 25-45 eggs. The egg capsule is carried by the female until it is ready to hatch, which provides necessary moisture for the eggs to survive. Maturation from egg to adult is around 3 months. Nymphs remain in hiding, feeding on the fecal material of other roaches.

Adults have a very wide variety diet but are especially fond of starches, sweets, great and meat products. They are not picky eaters, and garbage is a principal food source. While even the cleanest of homes can become infested, sanitation is a key factor in control. Clean up all spilled food particles. Do not leave dirty dishes overnight. Store items such as cereals, crackers, cookies, flour, sugars, and breads in airtight, sealed containers. Empty household garbage each evening into a sturdy container with a tight sealed lid. Because the shape of a cockroach allows it to pass through quite small areas, Modifications such as caulking holes in areas where pipes pass though walls, etc can also help in control.

While there are several "do-it-yourself" remedies available at your local hardware store, the German cockroach produces the most eggs, has the shortest development cycle, the best survival rate and is the most adaptive cockroach. Therefore, if you are unable to gain control, a call to Long Pest Control can develop an Integrated Pest Control program to eliminate the sightings and provide an environment free of unwanted sground crawling insects year round.