Cockroaches Control
Cockroach Inspections
Inspections
German cockroaches prefer warm moist conditions so they are normally found in kitchens and laundries etc. In heavy infestations they will be found throughout the premises and, if present in large numbers, they may even be seen during the day.
The harbourage areas for initial inspections include electrical fittings, under sinks, loose tiles, skirtings, cupboard bases and backs, loose lino, stoves, exhaust fans, fridge motors. In heavy infestations they may be encountered in the fridge door seals it is also important at these times to check other rooms. A few crumbs can support a large population and simple appliances such as a TV or stereo may be a source of warmth for harbourage.
It is vital to be thorough during inspections as they can be found in the most unusual situations.
Not the only German settlers to Adelaide
German Cockroach
Blatella germanica
Adult 12-15mm, amber, with two dark stripes on the pronotum. Males have slender tapering abdomen, rounded in female. Have wings but do not fly.
Nymph resembles the adult, smaller and darker, light stripe down the back. Ootheca (egg capsule) 10mm, slender, light brown, sides nearly parallel, 12-24 eggs each side.
Prolific breeder. Hatch to adult in 6+ weeks, adult lives up to 6 months producing 4-8 egg cases each with 30-40 eggs. Gravid females rarely leave harbourage. Carries egg case until day before hatching.
Seek out warmth, high humidity and food. Often found in kitchen areas. Eat any organic material including grease. Aggregate in sheltered spots near feeding areas especially in cracks and crevices.
Most widespread and economically important pest cockroach. Spreads disease by transfer and in excreta.
The German cockroach has the capacity to build up into large infestations because of their short breeding cycle and the large numbers of eggs produced in ideal conditions. The female carries the ootheca up until a day or so prior to hatching to avoid scavengers preying on the eggs.