German Cockroach
Hazards: Germs and Allergens
German cockroaches live where people prepare food, and they travel through drains, garbage and dirty corners on the way there. Bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli have been found on their bodies and in their droppings, and they can leave these germs on dishes, utensils, counters and uncovered food. Their droppings, shed skins and saliva also carry allergens that are a known asthma trigger, especially for children. That is why even a small infestation in a kitchen deserves quick attention.
Signs of Infestation
- Tiny dark droppings that look like pepper or coffee grounds, plus brown smear marks along cabinet hinges, drawer edges and the backs of appliances. These spots become gathering places, because chemicals in the droppings draw other roaches to the same hiding spot.
- A musty, oily smell that grows stronger as the population grows. It comes from the roaches, their droppings and the residue they leave along the routes they travel, and it can taint food and surfaces they cross.
- Shed skins and empty egg cases, which are tan, purse-shaped capsules about 1/4 inch long. The female carries her egg case until shortly before it hatches.
- Live roaches, usually seen at night when a light is switched on. In a home or business, reports from family members, customers or staff are often the first warning.
Harborage
German cockroaches hide during the day and come out after dark. They pack together in tight, warm spots close to food and water: cracks behind baseboards and trim, gaps around sinks and cabinets, inside wall voids, and under or inside stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers and microwaves. They favor spaces that press against their bodies from above and below. Young nymphs can squeeze into cracks far thinner than adults need. Roaches out in the open in daylight often mean the hiding spots are full and the population is large.
Food
They will eat nearly anything, including crumbs, grease, sugar, starch, meat, pet food, soap residue and glue. German cockroaches live almost entirely inside buildings, which is why kitchens, restaurants and other places with steady food and water see the worst infestations.
Control Measures
Inspection
Roaches can live anywhere in a room, from the floor to the tops of the cabinets, so the technician works through each area in a set order. A flashlight and a small mirror help reveal hiding spots under and behind appliances, inside cabinet hinges and around plumbing. The inspection also notes conditions that help roaches thrive.
Mechanical nest removal
A HEPA-filter vacuum pulls clusters of roaches, egg cases and droppings out of hiding spots before any treatment goes down.
Material Application
Gel baits and light dusts go into the cracks and crevices where roaches live instead of being sprayed across open surfaces. Roaches feed on the bait and carry it back to their hiding spots, where it can affect others in the group.
Exclusion
Sealing gaps around sinks, stoves, pipes and cabinets with caulk takes away hiding places and makes the treated areas work harder.
Sanitation
Cleaning is a big part of control. Bait has to compete with every crumb and grease spot in the room, so the technician points out problem areas and leaves notes on what to clean or fix between visits.
Our customers say it best
“Our representative is Craig and he is in good communication when he does his rounds at our company. He will regularly check in with me or other staff if I am not available to inquire if there are any trouble areas that need attention. He goes about completing his job without interruption of our workers. Always dependable and takes an interest.”
