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German cockroaches also known as Blatella germanica (L.) are the most common cockroach species in homes, apartments, restaurants, hospitals, and other institutions. Because German roaches are so adaptable, they have successfully adjusted to living with humans. German cockroach is a widely distributed urban pest, not just here in California, but all over the civilized world.
Evidence shows that cockroaches have been on earth for over 300 million years. Cockroaches are so adaptable that they are seen living with humans. Adult German cockroaches are 1/2 to 5/8 inch long and tan to light brown with two dark parallel lines running from the back of their head to the wings. They have full set of wing, but do not fly. The Nymphs look similar to the adults except they are smaller without the wings.
German cockroaches are most active at night where they forage for water, food, and mates. During the day they hide in dark areas and prefer a high degree of warmth with a moist environment. They are usually found in the kitchen and bathrooms. They may be seen during the day if there is a heavy infestation or there are some other stress such as a lack of water or food or an application of pesticides.
The German cockroaches can multiply very rapidly. They have three developmental stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The females carry a purse-shaped egg capsule which contains two rolls of eggs. Each capsule holds more than 40 eggs (more than double the number of other cockroach species) and can produce 4-8 egg capsules during their lifetime. They also develop twice as fast than other cockroach species from egg to adult stage. That’s over 300 thousand cockroaches a in about a year with one female German roach!
There appears to have diseases transmitted by German cockroaches. Disease-producing organisms such as bacteria and viruses have been found on cockroach bodies. It can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, and other illness. The cockroach excrements and cast skins also contain a number of allergens. It can cause skin rashes, watery eyes and sneezing, congestion of nasal passages, and asthma.
To control German cockroaches, it is important to start with sanitation. It is difficult to keep cockroaches form entering homes, but having good housekeeping will the key factor in preventing the German cockroach to get out of hand. Once having a thorough inspection to see how severe the infestation is the next step is to have the right control method, structural modification, and repairs.
It is not advisable to treat German cockroaches with the use of residual insecticidal sprays or aerosol foggers within a structure. In fact, these applications may disperse the cockroaches making control difficult and lengthy. If you notice signs of a German cockroach infestation in your property in Los Angeles, contact Jacob Termite & Pest Control today.