Characteristics
German cockroaches, Blattella germanica, are relatively small (20-25mm), however they are probably the most widespread and successful cockroaches that coexists with humans in buildings. They can reproduce rapidly and in ideal conditions take as little as 40days to develop from hatchings to adulthood. The female may produce 5-8 egg cases in a lifetime spanning nearly a year, and each egg case may contain 30-40 eggs.
Where German Cockroaches live
This cockroach prefers, but does not rely upon, conditions that provide warmth, moisture and food, and is well adapted to infesting kitchens and food handling areas, both domestically and commercially. Cracks and crevices within such areas are ideal for adults and nymphs to hide during the day. If numbers of cockroaches are seen during the daylight or in non-food handling areas, it can be said that there is likely to be an enormous population of cockroaches supporting the infestation.
Where German Cockroaches come from
The German cockroach can enter buildings under doors and around service entry points (e.g. plumbing and electrical). They can also be introduced through human error, whereby egg cases and nymphs are transported to new locations in food packages, drink crates, cardboard boxes and the like. Their prolific breeding capacity allows them to build up large populations in a relatively short period of time.
The human threat from German Cockroaches
Many human diseases can be carried, on the cuticle and in the gut and faeces of german cockroaches. Each cockroach may typically carry several million bacteria and disease organisms on and inside its body, ranging from salmonella, gastroenteritis, dysentery, hepatitis and many more.
The health threat posed by cockroach infestation is considered to be very serious. This reason alone, justifies the need for regular cockroach management in all premises.
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Signs of a German Cockroach Infestation
- Actual cockroaches seen in premises.
- Faecal spotting and smear marks (brown spots and smear like stains) evident.
- Pungent odour of rot and mould may occur with large infestation.
- Egg cases and nymphs (young cockroaches) evident.
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Adults, Nymphs and Egg Cases
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Methods of prevention and risk reduction
- Clean up after food handling and preparation should be immediate and thorough.
- Foods and foodstuffs should be stored in sealed, cockroach-proof containers.
- Cracks & crevices that may harbour cockroaches should be filled in and sealed.
- Water availability should be reduced where possible. Spills, leaking taps and excess water from cleaning activities should be eliminated.
- Regular clean up of ‘longer term’ build-up of waste foods (e.g. grease accumulations around stoves or split food materials) should be carried out.
- Waste and garbage should be kept in sealed bins and disposed of daily.
- In commercial kitchens it is unwise to rely on ‘spring cleaning’ or ‘once a year clean up programs’ to effectively lower the risk of cockroach infestation. It is recommended that regular (daily) cleaning practices be adopted.
A combination of the above preventative measures and professional pest management will provide the best long-term protection against infestation.