German cockroaches, whose scientific name is Blatella Germanica, are species of cockroaches native to West Africa. They arrived in our regions via boat shipments and are currently among the most common pests found in homes and in the food industry. How to recognize them, where are they hiding and how to get rid of them?
The physical appearance of a German cockroach
An adult German cockroach is approximately 1 to 1.5 cm long. It has a flat body, that of the female being wider than that of the male, bronze to light brown, sometimes turning yellow.
It also has a pair of wings that cover its entire body, as well as 2 thick and short antennae. But you will mostly recognize it by the 2 dark stripes that extend from its head to the base of its wings. Finally, the female carries, in its posterior part, a sticky shell of rectangular shape and brown color called ootheca. This is an egg sac.
The life cycle of a German cockroach
The female German cockroach carries the ootheca until the eggs are close to hatching. It lasts about 2-4 weeks. Then, she places the shell in a safe place so that the nymphs can hatch safely.
Under the right temperature conditions, i.e. around 25°C, they reach maturity after around 100 days. An adult German cockroach can then live for up to 6 or 8 months. Note that an ootheca contains up to 30 to 40 eggs.
Where do German cockroaches hide?
Like most pests, German cockroaches like to hide in warm, dark, and humid places. This is how we usually find them behind large appliances and furniture that we very rarely move, under the sink, in the hinges of cupboards, in the various ducts or even in false ceilings.
How to spot the presence of German cockroaches?
Here are the signs that indicate the presence of German cockroaches:
- You often encounter live animals or frequently find dead bodies in the building.
- You find empty shells in cabinets, cupboards or isolated places.
- You will find cockroach droppings in dark, damp and warm corners.
How to get rid of German cockroaches?
German cockroaches reproduce very quickly. In addition, an adult female can lay up to 300 eggs in her lifetime. However, these animals disturb your tranquility and feed on your food. It is therefore necessary to eradicate them as soon as possible in the event of an infestation. To do this, it is strongly recommended to call a professional, because in most cases, the effectiveness of the products on sale on the market is limited in the event of an invasion.
At Solution Cimex, we can help you get rid of German cockroaches invading your home. Do not hesitate to contact us for additional information on our services.
Finally, clean your house regularly and store your food in airtight containers to avoid pest infestation.