COCKROACHES

The cockroach is a species of cockroach that belongs to the Ectobius family and the Blattodea order. It is one of the most common species of cockroaches found in residences, restaurants and hotels around the world. These cockroaches (including their eggs) are generally introduced into these places by humans (in their luggage, boxes, etc.).

This species of cockroach measures between 1.3 and 1.6 cm and has a fairly thin body. They are darker at the beginning of their development, but they become lighter over time, becoming light brown with black stripes on the head. Although they have developed wings, they are unable to fly. They therefore only use their wings to glide.

DEVELOPMENT AND MORALITY The female lays 8 to 48 eggs in a capsule called an ootheca, attached to the end of her abdomen, which she carries for about 28 days. Cockroaches reach maturity in about 60 days. They occupy any moist place where they have access to food, water and shelter. They are attracted to buildings because of the warm conditions and humidity offered by kitchens (pantries, etc.), bathrooms, basements and plumbing fixtures.

Their presence does not necessarily mean that a place is unsanitary. Cockroaches and their eggs can enter a home on various objects such as old furniture, foodstuffs, empty beer and soda bottles, and boxes used for transportation. Once inside a building, cockroaches move easily.

They like foods with starches, sugars, and protein, but they will eat anything when they are hungry. Cockroaches rarely cause damage to structures. However, they can contaminate food and transmit disease after coming into contact with trash cans or sewers by walking and leaving feces on food or in food preparation areas.

German cockroaches can pose health risks. People with asthma may have adverse reactions to contact with excrement and/or exuviae (shell shed during molting). These cockroaches often give off a musty odor that can easily be confused with humidity. They tend to stay together in large groups, so if you find one, there will usually be others to follow. As cockroaches are most active at night, they may go undetected for some time. This is why, if you see a German cockroach, we advise you to call a pest control expert so that our experts can analyze the level of infestation and apply the necessary treatment.

PREVENTION Many people don't know they have a cockroach infestation until it's too late, usually because their small size allows them to hide more easily in small spaces and cracks. It is a difficult pest to prevent, particularly because of its small size, speed and willingness to eat whatever is available.

Their ability to adapt to the lack of available food means they can thrive more than other cockroaches. To prevent a German cockroach infestation, be sure to clean your home frequently to prevent them from accessing sources of food, water, and shelter.

Here are some tips to follow for prevention:

Store pet food in closed containers. Do not leave food and water for animals on the ground.
Store food in plastic or glass containers. Avoid keeping them in paper or cardboard, as cockroaches may chew them or lay their eggs there.
Don't leave dirty dishes in the sink.
Avoid sources of humidity (pipe leaks, humidity produced by refrigerator condensation, glasses, plates, cups and other cutlery once rinsed, etc.)
Throw away old cardboard boxes and newspapers (they serve as hiding places for cockroaches).
Clean dark areas near appliances often, as they emit heat and humidity, characteristics that contribute to the proliferation of cockroaches.
Keep kitchen appliances (toasters, microwaves, ovens, stoves and refrigerators) clean, free of food and grease.
Empty trash cans frequently, as food and moisture can attract cockroaches.

RECOMMENDATIONS Seal cracks and crevices (openings around pipes, etc.) so cockroaches cannot hide there. Sticky traps make it possible to detect cockroach populations and know where they are hiding in order to better target our control efforts. In case of severe infestation