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Current Pest Ledger
Click on picture to enlarge cockroach size
GERMAN COCKROACH
Order - Oothoptera Family - Blattelidae Species - Blattela germanica
Life Cycle :
Metamorphosis - Gradual (egg, nymph, adult)
Eggs - 38 contained in the OOTHECA or egg capsule. Carried 16 days by female until 24 hours before hatching.
Nymphs or Young - Wingless similar to adults in appearance. Develop through a series of molts or growth periods, usually 5 to 7 times, reaching adult stage in 6 weeks.
Adults - Light tan to medium brown in color - 1/2 to 5/8 inch in length. Wings cover entire abdomen in females and all but abdominal tip in males. The pronoton or head area has two parallel bands separated by a lighter stripe running lengthwise on the body. Fully developed wings but rarely flies. it is mostly an excellent glider.
Live span vary depending on circumstances -- but usually about 3 to 4 months.
Living Habits :
The German cockroach favors indoor warm moist environments . They are general feeders and hide from light. Found in cracks and crevices usually near food and moister, bathrooms, kitchens, break rooms. It prefers wood pulp surfaces such as cardboards. Able to establish large populations.
Humans provide all necessary living conditions needed for their survival, making the German cockroach the NUMBER 1 indoor pest cockroach in the world. If ever found outside, it is in cracks and crevices by structures and sources of food and moister. By staying indoors, it protects itself from natural enemies and from having to adapt to outdoor environmental changes.
Control Recommendations : In most cases German cockroaches DO NOT enter premises from outside areas, they are normally transported inside by supplies - equipment - furniture; etc.
IMPORTANT: Sanitation and proper storing practices is essential. Less food, hiding and breeding areas will aid in reducing the population and expose the presence of this cockroach allowing procedures of applying approved formulations and needed baits for an effective control program.
DO NOT confused with the ASIAN cockroach which was recently introduced to Florida. It is very similar in appearance but has different living habits, it favors OUTDOOR tropical areas, are true flyers and does NOT hide from the light as the German cockroach does.
Book source: "Scientific Guide To Pest Control Operations. .All Rights Reserved.