The lowdown on German Cockroaches

Cockroaches have existed for an astonishing 300 million years! They are one of the toughest insects on the planet, survivors of multiple mass extinctions!

German cockroach (Blattella germanica): German cockroaches are probably the most common type of cockroach you will see. Now let’s learn a little more about them!

Identification:

Adults:

• They’re light brown with two dark stripes on their backs.

• Females are a bit darker than males.

• They range from 10 to 15 mm long.

• They have long, dark antennae and a slender body shape.

• Their back ends taper off nicely.

Nymphs:

• These little guys are dark brown with stripes on their backs too.

Egg Case:

• The egg cases are light-coloured, about 7-9 mm long, and can hold around 40 eggs!

Droppings: 

• You may see little, dark, pepper-like droppings in their fur, or dark patches along the edges of doors, at the top of them or at the corners of rooms.

Odor:

• They give off a mild musty smell.

Even though they have wings, these little critters prefer to run rather than fly.

 Infestation:

German cockroaches love to camp out in warm, snug spots with lots of moisture and food. They’re nocturnal and prefer to hide in dark places throughout the day  drains, electric devices, cupboards and furniture.

They tend to love kitchen and bath areas! Kitchens are a buffet of food options, while bathrooms deliver the moisture they need. They don’t require much space at all, so they can slide into buildings through countless small entry points.

The belief that roaches only infest dirty homes is a widely held myth. In practice, anywhere where there is food can serve as a potential home for them. They like to be warm inside, but maintaining a clean space and taking out the garbage often can help keep them away.

Cockroaches are not fussy eaters.They can eat just about anything bread and meat, sure, but also paper and glue. Their favourites are sweets, meats, and starches, and they also love pet food. Some even eat sewage in sewers!

Health Concerns:

Even though they can be durable, cockroaches are known carriers of bacteria and parasites which can end up in your food. They have been associated with diseases like:

• Dysentery

• Cholera

•  Typhoid Fever

• Salmonellosis

• And more

They can also transport the eggs of parasitic worms, which can cause skin irritations and respiratory problems like asthma.

When cockroaches molt or die, their exoskeletons can decompose and release allergens into the air that may cause allergic reactions or asthma, particularly in children.

Prevention Tips:

And in order to keep German cockroaches away, cleanliness is very important! Here are some friendly tips:

• Clean up crumbs and spills regularly.

•  Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink.

•  Seal up any entry points around utility pipes.

• Make sure crawl spaces are well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.

Fun Fact:

These tiny little survivors can hold their breath for up to 7 minutes, go weeks without their heads and also survive ten times the amount of nuclear radiation than we can! They can even evolve resistance to insecticides.

Don’t fret if you’re facing a cockroach infestation! However, with the proper methods and knowledge, they can be eliminated. Little invaders like these make life a little more challengin g.

Shield Termite Treatment Maylands offers all pest control services in Maylands and surroundings. Feel free to contact us at (08) 6186 7426 or visit our website:

https://shieldtermitetreatment.com.au/