German Cockroach Control & Extermination

Description

German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) are small, light brown to tan cockroaches with two distinctive dark parallel stripes running from their head to their wings. They are one of the most common cockroach species found in homes and businesses throughout British Columbia.

Males measure about 12-15mm in length with a thin, slender body and visible terminal segments of the abdomen. Females tend to be slightly larger with a stouter body and rounded posterior abdomen. Unlike some other cockroach species, German cockroaches have fully developed wings, though they rarely fly, preferring to run rapidly when disturbed.

Colour: Light brown to tan with two dark parallel stripes behind the head

Legs: Six

Shape: Oval

Size: 12-15mm (approximately 1/2 inch)

Antennae: Yes, long

Flying: Rarely, despite having wings

Habits

German cockroaches are the most prolific breeders among cockroach species. Females produce egg capsules (oothecae) containing 30-40 eggs each and can produce a new egg capsule every few weeks. Unlike other cockroach species, females carry their egg capsules until just before hatching, protecting them from predators and insecticides.

These pests are primarily nocturnal, preferring to hide in warm, humid areas during the day and forage for food at night. They are extremely adaptable and can survive on minimal food resources. German cockroaches prefer temperatures between 20-30°C (70-85°F) and are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms where food and moisture are abundant.

Habitat

German cockroaches are almost exclusively indoor pests, rarely surviving outdoors in British Columbia’s climate. They typically inhabit:

• Kitchens, particularly around stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, and under sinks
• Bathrooms, especially near plumbing fixtures
• Food storage areas and pantries
• Behind electrical appliances where warmth is generated
• Inside electronics, clocks, and other small appliances
• Cracks and crevices in cabinets and walls
• Around garbage disposal areas

In multi-unit buildings, German cockroaches can easily travel between units through wall voids, along utility lines, and through shared ventilation systems.

Threats

German cockroaches pose significant health risks. They have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms, and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. Their feeding habits in unsanitary areas such as garbage and sewers make them efficient vectors for disease transmission.

These cockroaches can pick up germs on the spines of their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter and then transfer these pathogens to food or food preparation surfaces. The pathogens they carry may remain infective for several weeks within their bodies.

Additionally, German cockroach allergens are a major trigger for asthma, particularly in children. These allergens are found in their droppings, secretions, cast skins, and dead bodies. Recent medical studies have shown that cockroach allergens cause numerous allergic reactions and can even cause asthma development in children exposed to infested environments.

Prevention

Preventing German cockroach infestations requires a comprehensive approach:

1. Sanitation: Eliminate food sources by keeping kitchens clean, storing food in sealed containers, and promptly cleaning up spills and crumbs. Wash dishes immediately after use rather than leaving them in the sink overnight.
2. Reduce Moisture: Fix leaky pipes and faucets, use dehumidifiers in damp areas, and ensure bathrooms and kitchens are well-ventilated.
3. Eliminate Harborage: Seal cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and around plumbing fixtures. Remove clutter that provides hiding places.
4. Inspection: Regularly check for signs of cockroach activity, including droppings (which resemble black pepper), egg casings, and live or dead cockroaches.
5. Proper Waste Management: Use sealed garbage containers and empty them frequently.
6. Professional Treatment: For existing infestations, a professional pest control program using a combination of baits, growth regulators, and targeted insecticide applications is most effective.

Good sanitation and habitat reduction, along with vacuuming, surveillance, a baiting program, and sealing of cracks can quickly reduce or eliminate a German cockroach population. However, due to their rapid reproduction rate and developing resistance to many insecticides, professional pest control services are often necessary for complete elimination.

At Pest Detective, we offer specialized German cockroach control programs tailored to your specific situation. Our integrated pest management approach ensures effective, long-lasting results while minimizing risks to your family, pets, and the environment.