Pest Expert Overview: German Cockroaches in Bryan & College Station
German cockroaches are not found in nature. They are only associated with human activity and are a major pest in homes and commercial facilities. This means they are transported to the areas they infest by human activity – in boxes, containers, purses, backpacks, and even clothes. They are light to dark tan in color and are about ½ to ¾ of an inch in length. They have 2 parallel longitudinal dark stripes on the top of their thorax that can distinguish them from other cockroach species. Although adults have wings, they are not able to fly.
German cockroaches, Blatella germanica, are in the Order Blattodea and the Family Blattellidae. They are found all over the world and are thought to originate from either Southeast Asia or Northeast Africa. As you might expect, in Germany, they are called Russian cockroaches
Life Cycle
Like other cockroaches, German cockroaches hatch from eggs as nymphs that look similar to the adults but are wingless. The females actually carry the egg cases (ootheca) until about 2 days before they hatch. At that time, they drop the egg cases, containing 30 to 40 eggs. After hatching, the tiny nymphs will go through several molts over 1 to 2 months before becoming winged adults. Adults live approximately 3 months and females can produce 4 to 8 egg cases in that time – as many as 360 nymphs! German cockroaches are omnivorous scavengers and will eat pretty much anything. They are most commonly found in areas of high moisture like kitchens, bathrooms, and water heater closets.
Why are they Pests?
Aside from being a nuisance, German cockroaches are extremely important pests for two main reasons. First, their excretions and cast skins have been found to be the leading trigger for asthma attacks in children. Secondly, their activities can ruin food and contaminate it with possible pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella.
German Cockroach Prevention
Sanitation is very important in getting control of German Cockroaches. They can still infest an immaculately clean house, but they are much easier to control in clean, uncluttered situations. If you work in the restaurant industry, be careful about bringing equipment from the restaurant home and be careful about where you put personal items that you bring back and forth from the restaurant (maybe leave purses and jackets in your car!).
Professional German Cockroach Control
If you are dealing with an infestation of German cockroaches, Venus Pest Company can help. Founded by Aggie Entomologist Dr. Scott Lingren, we provide expert, eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management solutions in Bryan and College Station. To get started, fill out the contact form, call/text 979.774.0486 or email [email protected]. Don’t let nuisance pests take over your home!
