The German Cockroach is a small species of cockroach. Much smaller than the American Cockroach, and often confused with the Asian Cockroach. While there are many similarities, there are some differences that can be seen if you know what you are looking for. One easy difference is the fact that the German Cockroach doesn't fly, at least not very far. The Asian Cockroach flies fairly well in comparison and is attracted to light.
The German Cockroach is found all over the world. Wherever you find humans you can find them. They are not likely to survive in places without human activity. They will be less abundant in regions of prolonged cold weather. Warm climates and the availability of food, water, and harborage will also govern the population and growth of a colony.
Their attraction to human and animal feces, rotting food, sputum, pus, and the like gives them a well-earned "disgust factor" among the general public. Residential infestations are usually worse in kitchens and bathrooms where there are food and moisture sources. Commercial infestations are usually found in restaurants and food processing facilities.
This roach has 3 life stages. The egg, the nymph, and the adult. The entire life cycle is completed in around 100 days. Factors such as temperature, food, and strain can influence the time of the life cycle. Under ideal conditions population growth can be enormous.
Roaches will feed on anything we eat or what our pets eat. They will even feed on book bindings if no other food source is available.
The German Cockroach can contaminate food with their feces and pheromone secretions. They transport pathogens that can cause allergies or other respiratory problems. German cockroaches may transmit bacteria responsible for food poisoning. Cockroaches act as mechanical vector in transmitting Salmonella, Shigella, and Cryptosporidium parvum bacteria that cause diarrheal diseases.
They also can have an all around negative effect on people who have them in their homes. Those people tend not to entertain guests or have family over for fear of disgusting roaches crawling around the house getting on food or dishes.
Most people have a very low tolerance for this pest in their home and will go to excessive lengths to eliminate them. This particular pest, unlike the American Cockroach or Brown-banded Roach requires a more extensive program for eradication. You need a good, comprehensive program to include sanitation, inspection, baits, Boractin Dusts, residuals, and IGR's (growth regulators). These treatments may need to be repeated several times to finally break the life cycle.
We offer a unique 3 step extermination program that comes with a warranty. To find out more about residential and commercial German Roach pest control programs call 813-703-4673. It's a jungle out there!