Cockroaches Infestation

The German cockroach is now known as a major pest of buildings, particularly in warmer climates or where central heating is present.  It is the second most important cockroach pest in Britain.  Because of its habits and feeding sites, it is a potential carrier of pathogenic bacteria when associated with food.  People also find their presence and odour repulsive.  A recent study in the USA suggests that nearly one fifth of the population is allergic to cockroaches

Appearance  Light beige, with two dark stripes on the pronotum behind the head.

Lifecycle 

The female carries the egg case until the eggs hatch. The egg case or ootheca is 8 mm long and is a chestnut brown colour.    The female carries the egg case until the eggs hatch.  Oothecae are produced at about 3 - 4 week intervals and contain 35 - 40 eggs.  German cockroaches have an incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).  There are usually 6 nymphal stages, with development to the adult taking 6 - 7 weeks at 30oC.  The adult life span is 4 - 5 months.

Habits  It prefers warm moist conditions (25-30oC) and has consequently become a common pest of heated buildings, notably in kitchens, larders and restaurants.  In warmer climates, such as the southern States of America, the German cockroach occurs outdoors but this is rare in Britain.