Western Exterminators - Pest Control Services California, Arizona, Nevada

Cockroaches: American Cockroach | Brownbanded Cockroach | German Cockroach | Oriental Cockroach

	Common name:	Latin name:	Class:	Order:	Family:
	German Cockroach	Blattella Germanica (Linnaeus)	Insecta	Blattodea	Blattellidae

	Size:
	Adults are about 1/2-5/8 inch (13-16 mm) long. Different sizes will be found in an infested area.
	Characteristics:
	Nocturnal and avoids light; rarely glides and cannot fly. Female's abdomen is broader than that of male.
	Color:
	Light brown to tan with two almost parallel, dark longitudinal stripes, bars, or streaks on prothorax; female color is darker than male.
	Where Found:
	Originated in Africa but transported through early commerce to Europe and now found throughout the world.
	Comparison:
	Asian Cockroach: similar color pattern, but flies readily, breeds outdoors in leaf litter. Brownbanded and Pennsylvania Cockroaches: lack 2 dark longitudinal stripes. Field Cockroach: dark line between eyes on front of head.
	Habitat:
	Usually found indoors throughout a building, but especially in warm and humid places, such as kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and dens where people eat casually. Spend about 75% of their time hidden in cracks and crevices. Smallest nymphs only need about a millimeter of space, while adults need about 5 mm.
	Food:
	All types of food, as well as things like soap, glue, and toothpaste.
	Biology:
	Female carries egg capsule until within 1-2 days of hatching, and deposits it in a sheltered place. She will produce about 5 egg capsules (30-40 eggs each) in her life. Development from egg to adult varies, averaging about 3 months, but can be faster, resulting in 3-4 or more generations per year. Adults live about 3-7 months. Reproducing females are very active, but females carrying egg capsules are not, coming out for food and water only when necessary. This species reproduces the fastest of the common pest cockroaches: a single female and her offspring can produce over 30,000 individuals in a year, but many succumb to cannibalism and other population pressures. Males hide, even at night. The last three days before molting, developing cockroaches (nymphs) also stay hidden.
	Damage:
	A nuisance that may also transmit disease organisms and cause allergic reactions in some people.
	Invasion:
	Transported inside with paper products, packaging, and used appliances. In summer, may move from one building to another. Can survive outdoors if it is warm, although uncommon.
	Control:
	Due to its habits, treatments need to address all areas of possible infestation. Preparation by emptying all cupboards in kitchen and bathrooms will be necessary. Also closets, dressers or other furnishings relatively close to food and water should be inspected and treated. Cracks and crevices should be inspected and treated with a residual material. Often, 7-10 days are required for control as more insects come in contact with the material. There are cockroach baits available, but due to competition with other food available, may not produce a quick ‘knock-down’ of the population or satisfactory long-term results. Due to the thoroughness required during the treatment process, you may want to use a professional exterminator. Continued monitoring and possible additional treatments may be necessary. Contacting the insects with the material is essential to control. Use of residual liquid pesticides and dust formulations injected in wall voids is recommended. When using any pesticide, be sure it is registered for the target pest/location. Read the entire label prior to use. Follow all label directions, restrictions, and precautions.