General Characteristics:
- Most commonly found roaches in North America
- Adult insects are about 1/2 inch long
- Pale brown or tan in colour
- Two parallel black lines on the back of their “heads” (pronotum) running length wise in relation to their bodies
- Immature German cockroaches, known as nymphs, are 1/8 inch long and are much darker in appearance
- Even at the nymphal stage the lighter area behind their “heads” can be seen. As they mature this area becomes larger and the distinguishing parallel lines begin to take form.
Reproduction:
- During their lifetime a female cockroach can produce 4-8 egg capsules
-
These can be seen extending from the rear of the cockroach in an egg capsule (ootheca)
- Each egg capsule contains 30-40 individual eggs, which the female carries for about 30 days
-
The female deposits the egg capsule just before it is ready to hatch
- There can be 3-4 generations per year depending on temperature, humidity, food supply, and other
environmental factors
- Each generation requires approximately 100 days to mature from egg to adult
Signs of Infestation:
- These pests are primarily nocturnal, however, in large infestations they can be visible at any time
- They are strongly attracted to water, thus they are most common in kitchens and bathrooms
-
When populations grow too large they will expand to other areas of the structure
- A distinct foul musty odour can be detected in large infestations
Control Techniques:
Proper sanitation practices are essential to controlling these pests. These include but are not limited to:
- Thoroughly cleaning out kitchen cupboards of spilled food and debris
- Move kitchen appliances and clean behind
- Clean the interior of the stove and the void spaces under the stovetop and elements
- Repairing any plumbing leaks or any other sources of water.
(
For example the evaporation pan behind refrigerators may be clogged with debris allowing water to accumulate.)
- Do not leave dirty dishes out overnight. Even small amounts of food are more than sufficient to support a cockroach infestation. Reducing food/water sources stresses the pest population causing them to expend more energy in search of food/water as opposed to reproduction.
- Adult cockroaches can live about a month without food if water is present. Nymphs will only live about 10 days in the same conditions. If no food or water is present adult roaches will die in about 2 weeks.
Please click here to contact a Focus Pest Control professional to inquire about further treatments for this pest species.
References:
Benett, Gary W., et.al.. Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations. Duluth: Advanstar
Communications, 1988. Pp. 130-131, 137-142.
Disclaimer:
The Focus Pest Control ‘Pest Library’ is an educational resource written largely to educate the general public about common pests in Ontario. The Focus ‘Pest Library’ does not include all species in Ontario, nor does it include the most recent scientific data about species we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While Focus Pest Control staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.
(Back to top) |
