About German Cockroaches
The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is the most common species of cockroach worldwide, taking residence in people’s homes, restaurants, nursing homes and hotels. The German Cockroach is one of the most successful and prolific species of cockroach due to their rapid breeding rates and adaptability to almost any environment. The German Cockroach is predominately found inside with their harbourage being but not limited to kitchens, cupboards, food items, bathrooms, laundry, and electrical appliances.
Identification
The adults are 10 – 16mm long and are tan to medium brown coloured with 2 parallel dark stripes on the head section (Pronotum). The nymphs are very small, dark, and beetle-like when they first emerge from the egg (ootheca) and within a few weeks grow more slender and lighter coloured. They have a light stripe down the centre at this stage of their development. Signs of infestation include cast skins, dark regurgitation and faecal droppings in corners and door hinges of cupboards. Their droppings are tiny and resemble flyspecks. They are often confused with the Brown-banded cockroach, which is lighter in colour, lives outdoors or indoors in dry environments and can fly.
What to do prior to German Cockroach Treatment
- YOU will need to vacate the premises whilst your treatment is being carried out.
- The technician will advise you on the day of the re-entry period to the premises after the treatment has been completed (usually 3 hours after the treatment has been carried out).
- DO NOT use any other means of cockroach control such as insecticide bombs, aerosols such as surface or flying insect sprays before or after the treatment, as this can interfere with the chemicals being applied.
- REMOVE ALL ITEMS from kitchen cupboards including overhead cupboards (cutlery, dishes, pots and pans, open food, etc). These items may be placed in bags or boxes but need to be removed from the areas requiring treatment.
- Electrical appliances such as toasters, kettles, food mixers, blenders, microwaves etc should be left on the benchtop. These items will be inspected and treated if necessary.
- For treatments in bathrooms, ALL ITEMS should be REMOVED from under the sink and draws. Place any toothbrushes, personal items in a plastic bag or a box and store in the bathtub or shower until the treatment has been completed.
- If the infestation of German Cockroaches has spread to other areas such as bedrooms, lounge room etc remove as many items as possible away from skirting boards.
- Ensure all children’s toys, pet toys, pet food and water bowls are placed away from areas being treated.
After all required Cockroach Treatments Have Been Completed
- Ensure all benchtops, food preparation surfaces and tables are cleaned thoroughly.
- Be aware that the process of elimination for German Cockroaches, after the initial treatment it may take 3 to 8 weeks before elimination results are seen due to the biology of the cockroach and further treatments may be required.
- DO NOT mop treated areas for a minimum of 1 week, the longer you can avoid mopping the better the results from the treatment.
- DO NOT wipe out cupboards as the chemical needs to stay active for the best possible results. Avoid using surface sprays and other types of insecticides, as this will interfere with the chemical applied and could affect the treatment provided.
To Avoid Future Infestations
- Always store food in sealed containers or inside sealed areas such as fridges, freezers etc.
- Reduce or remove any available food sources or excess food waste that your technician will identify for you.
- Maintain drains and sinks with regular cleaning and sanitisation as cockroaches can find food sources in these areas.
- Ensure no water leaks or areas where water is easily accessible for cockroaches.
- Ensure all cooking utensils and benchtops are cleaned properly after use to reduce food sources.
- Ensure a high level of hygiene is adhered to and remove any rubbish from benches and around bin areas. Bins should be emptied every night to reduce cockroaches’ food source.