The most common cockroach infesting restaurants are the German Cockroach or "blatella germanica". The fully grown adults are 1/2″ to 5/8″ in length, tan to brown in color and have two dark stripes just behind the back of the head. The immature cockroaches or nymphs go through seven stages of growth, are darker in color, and vary is size from 1/16″ up to 3/8″.
German cockroach
How Do German Cockroaches Get Into Houses or Restaurants?They are brought in on boxes, bags, used furniture, appliances, beverage cartons, produce boxes, and suitcases. Occasionally in warm weather they can migrate from neighboring homes. In apartment buildings German cockroaches may spread along utility lines, rubbish rooms, trash chutes, laundry rooms, storage areas, and other shared facilities. Where Do German Cockroaches Hide? Cockroaches hide anyplace they can find darkness, warmth, a little moisture, shelter, and food. Some common hiding places are in cupboards, up under kitchen sinks, in drawers, closets, etc. Cockroaches are nocturnal. They avoid light and hide from it. If you see cockroaches during the day it usually means that there are so many cockroaches that the hiding places are overcrowded and they are forced to come out into the daylight. | a severe german cockroach infestation |
What is Their Growth and Development? How Fast do They Multiply?The female carries the egg sack beneath her abdomen until the young are ready to hatch. Thirty (30) to forty (40) young are produced in each egg sack. If conditions such as moisture, shelter, warmth, and food are abundant they will develop into adults in about 35 days. If conditions are poor the development may take as long as seven months. In the laboratory, adults live approximately one year.
What Do Cockroaches Eat?They eat almost anything. They are fond of starches, sweets, meats, breads, gravies, and almost any other human or pet food. Cockroaches will also eat glue and book bindings. Cockroaches can survive without food for up to thirty (30) days, but they will dehydrate if they are denied moisture for more than two weeks.
Are Cockroaches Health Hazards? Recent studies have concluded that roaches can easily transmit bacteria and germs. Some people, especially children, may be allergic and have asthmatic reactions to cockroaches, their shed skins, and the secretions they give off.
If I Kill the Adult Do I Have to Worry About the Eggs? lf the egg capsule is detached from the female’s body before the eggs are ready to hatch they will dehydrate and die. It is not likely that you will ever carry an egg capsule by itself into a house on your shoe or in a box or bag.
Some Interesting Facts About Cockroaches
Are Cockroaches Health Hazards? Recent studies have concluded that roaches can easily transmit bacteria and germs. Some people, especially children, may be allergic and have asthmatic reactions to cockroaches, their shed skins, and the secretions they give off.
If I Kill the Adult Do I Have to Worry About the Eggs? lf the egg capsule is detached from the female’s body before the eggs are ready to hatch they will dehydrate and die. It is not likely that you will ever carry an egg capsule by itself into a house on your shoe or in a box or bag.
Some Interesting Facts About Cockroaches
- Roaches have existed on earth since prehistoric times.
- Roaches are able to withstand doses of radiation.
- A single pair of roaches can produce up to 400,000 descendants in a year’s time if conditions are optimum.
How Do You Get Rid of Them? Cockroaches can be very difficult to eliminate. It is important to very thorough and precise in the inspection and treatment process. The first step cockroach control is preparation. All dishes, pots, pans, foods, and utensils must be removed from the cupboards. Clear and remove clutter. In the bathroom, empty the vanity and medicine cabinet, and remove toothbrushes and other personal items. In other rooms, remove clothes from the closets, empty dresser drawers and linen closets and other storage areas. Pick up items from the floor. In especially severe cases furniture, beds, dressers, etc. need to be moved away from the wall. |
Keeping roaches out of your home or building is an ongoing process, not a one-time treatment. Call a professional for an evaluation and treatment program to keep cockroaches contained.