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GERMAN COCKROACH |
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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
German cockroaches are the most common insect found in
the Unites States.
These are the most prevalent of species dwelling with humans, found commonly in
homes, apartments, supermarkets, food processing plants, and restaurants. Ships,
especially cruise ships can be heavily infested.
They are seldom found outside and prefer corners and cracks where their feet and
back touch the edges.
This is the most common cockroach and adults measure from 1/2 to 5/8 inches in
length.
They are light brown with two dark stripes running lengthwise down the upper
back.
German cockroaches have "ears" on their tails known as caudel cerci. These ears
are directly connected to their feet, bypassing their brains. When they "hear"
footprints (vibrations) they are running before they even think about it.
They are related to termites.
German cockroaches are nocturnal in nature and like to congregate together in
their harborage areas.
They can be found in warm humid areas, such as kitchens, and dish washing areas.
as well as bathrooms.
They can be introduced via cardboard boxes, paper bags, second hand appliances,
TVs and microwaves. They are often transported by man.
REPRODUCTIVE ABILITIES
A female German cockroach needs to mate only one time
to produce seven egg cases.
Egg capsules contain 18-50 nymphs.
The German cockroach can grow from egg to adult in about 55 to 68 days, but have
been observed to grow from egg to adult in as little as 36 days.
The egg requires 14 days, and seven nymphal instars require 60 days.
The German cockroach produces more eggs per capsule than any other pest
cockroach species.
Females carry their egg capsules until they are ready to hatch.
The nymphs are about 1/8 inch long when they hatch and are uniformly dark in
color.
FEEDING HABITS
The German cockroach will feed on almost anything with
nutritious value including wood, soap, dog food, grease, paste, glue, and
toothpaste.
They can survive for 1 year on a bar of soap.
The female will stop feeding when she is ready to hatch her young.
They live within 12 feet of food source.
They will climb to the top of their environment if they sense chemical
treatment.
HEALTH RISKS
They are known to carry over 20 diseases and are most
commonly implicated as carriers of salmonella.
There is also compelling evidence to implicate cockroaches as vectors of
infectious hepatitis.
Also some individuals have been found to have allergic reactions to roaches
including nausea, vertigo, burning sensations, and in two cases anaphylactic
shock.
TREATMENT
Sanitation is the cornerstone to effective long lasting
control of German cockroaches.
This requires cooperation of the people living in the home as well as a complete
interior treatment.
Conditions conducive to roach infestations need to be removed, and often items
in pantries and cupboards need to be removed to allow access to the harborage
for the technician. One of our technicians will advise the customer on what
they can do to help alleviate the problem as well as determining the best mean
of control.
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