Identification
The German cockroach is associated with restaurants, kitchens and places where food is prepared. It hides in small cracks and is mostly active at night.
WHY IT MULTIPLIES QUICKLY
Each ootheca holds 18 to 50 eggs, and a female produces several of them during her life. The population can therefore grow quickly. Cockroaches can carry bacteria, and their residues can worsen asthma in children.
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APronotum
Large plate that covers the thorax and part of the head, marked with 2 dark parallel stripes typical of the German cockroach
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BCerci
Two clearly visible appendages at the tip of the abdomen
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CWings
The adult has wings, but it practically does not fly
Adult
Omnivorous and mostly active at night. Hides in cracks and crevices during the day.
Life cycle
HEMIMETABOLOUS · 3 STAGES · 18 TO 50 EGGS PER OOTHECAThe female carries the ootheca (a capsule of 18 to 50 eggs) until shortly before hatching, then drops it in a sheltered spot.
Nymphs look like wingless adults. They go through 6 or 7 growth stages (instars); their development takes about 6 to 31 weeks depending on conditions.
The adult has wings but practically does not fly. It lives about 100 to 200 days, females longer than males.
OTHER COCKROACHES
Several cockroach species can infest buildings
Signs of activity
Droppings and dark spots
Small droppings that look like grains of pepper, and dark spots on shelves, in drawers and under appliances
Musky odour
Unpleasant odour in heavily infested areas and on surfaces cockroaches travel over.
Discarded oothecae
Brown egg capsules, often empty after hatching, in dark corners, behind appliances and in cracks
German cockroaches are mostly active at night and hide during the day in cracks and crevices.
Treatment
PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT
- 1 Insecticide gel bait Applied in small dots in corners, under appliances and in cabinet hinges
- 1 Residual insecticide Treatment of baseboards, cracks and known German cockroach pathways
- Apply the gel bait in small, pea-sized dots in cracks and corners: under the sink, behind the refrigerator, in cabinet hinges. Reapply as needed, since the deposits harden over time.
- Treat cracks, baseboards and pipe entry points with a registered residual insecticide, following the label. The German cockroach is resistant to several insecticides, which is why combining methods helps.
Remove grease behind the stove, under the fridge and in cabinets. German cockroaches are attracted to food residues and organic matter.
Seal the gaps around incoming pipes with caulking. German cockroaches move from one unit to another through the pipes in apartment buildings.
Check grocery bags, cardboard boxes and second-hand items before bringing them into your home. Oothecae can be carried in on these items.
ASSESSING THE INFESTATION
Determine the extent before choosing a treatment
Suddenly turn on the light at night to watch German cockroaches flee toward hiding spots
Place sticky traps in suspected areas and check them for a few days to assess density and location
Identify the most affected areas to target the treatment and assess the extent of the infestation
Prevention
- Remove water and food
Fix leaks and empty sinks in the evening. Do not leave food or dirty dishes accessible overnight. Keep the kitchen spotless.
Kitchen - Seal all cracks
Seal gaps around pipes, electrical outlets and baseboards. Cockroaches hide in very narrow cracks.
Indoors - Reduce humidity
Fix water leaks and use a dehumidifier in damp areas. German cockroaches seek out warmth and moisture.
Bathroom - Coordinate with the building
In an apartment building, cockroaches can come from neighbouring units. Coordinate the treatment with management for a building-wide approach.
Building
Frequently asked questions
How do I recognize the German cockroach?
A small light brown cockroach (Blattella germanica) with two dark stripes behind the head; it is a very common species in homes.
Why is it such a problem?
It reproduces very quickly and develops resistance to certain products, so an infestation can explode without a suitable treatment.
Where does it hide?
Near water and food: kitchens and bathrooms, behind appliances, under sinks, in warm and damp cracks.
How do I get rid of it?
Cleaning and sealing help, but an infestation often calls for gel baits and follow-up by an exterminator. For help suited to your situation, you can check out our cockroach extermination service.