In the United States, there are over 50 species of cockroaches. Throughout Pittsburgh, America, German, and Oriental, cockroaches are the most common types. German roaches are among the most troublesome. All cockroaches, however, are known to carry diseases and bacteria that are easily spread. Roaches have no care as to what they eat and where they live. As a result, it is common for roaches to be found in sewers and other decaying organic matter. They easily contaminate surfaces by simply walking across them as you prepare food. In addition to being a health concern, they trigger asthma and allergies and will destroy many things in their path. At this time, we at Stewart Termite and Pest Control would like to elaborate on the basic information regarding German Cockroaches.
German Cockroach Identification
In houses, apartments, hotels, restaurants, and other establishments, German cockroaches are the most common cockroach species as they are a widely distributed urban pest. With two dark parallel lines running from the back of the head to the wings, German roaches are tan to light brown in color. They average ½ inch – 5/8 inches in length. Despite having the fully developed, these cockroaches are flightless.
Where Do German Cockroaches Live & What Do They Eat?
Attracted to relatively warm and moist environments, German cockroaches will commonly be discovered in bathrooms along with in kitchens, near the dishwashers, sinks, and stoves. The diet of German roaches consists of starches, sweets, grease, and meat product as their top favorites but are omnivorous and will eat anything. They are drawn to garbage and rely on it as their primary principal food source. Being mostly active at night to forage for food and water, German roaches are nocturnal critters. Where it is dark, warm and humid, they hideout in cracks and crevices during the day. If the population is heavy, the roaches are stressed, food and/or water is scarce, or a recent application of pesticides was applied, German cockroaches can still be seen throughout the day, despite being nocturnal.
German Cockroach Infestations
German roaches can conceal themselves in many places that larger species cannot manage as they are smaller than most other cockroach species. These cockroaches have proven to be a challenge to eliminate and are known for their persistence. Since they produce a larger number of eggs per capsule, they quickly infest areas. Their rapid growth in numbers is also attributed to the fact they require the shortest time grow from hatching to being sexually mature.
Cockroach Extermination
Most are unaware, but German roaches produce odorous secretions that can impact the flavor of various foods. Due to cockroach populations being high, the secretions may result in a characteristic odor in the general region. Disease-producing organisms such as bacteria, protozoans, and viruses are commonly found on the cockroach body. Different forms of gastroenteritis, such as food poisoning, dysentery, diarrhea, and other illnesses are the principal diseases transmitted by German cockroaches. Often deposited on food and utensils, the organisms causing these diseases are carried on the legs and bodies of cockroaches where they picked it up as the cockroach forages. Finally, these roaches are a known allergen that leave people with congestion of nasal passages, skin rashes, watery eyes and sneezing, and asthma are from the cockroach excrement and cast skins. If you have German, or any other cockroach infestations, call the experts of Stewart Termite and Pest Control.