These pests may be the most hated of all. They hide in dark places and scatter when the lights come on. Their very existence causes chills to run down the spines of many people. These pests are German Cockroaches! Every week, we hear from people living in the Treasure Valley that no cockroaches are living amongst us. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In recent years, German Cockroaches have invaded homes, restaurants, and hotels, and they are thriving! German Cockroaches, also known as the Croton bug, are a smaller species. They typically vary in size between 1.1 cm to 1.6 cm long. Their coloring ranges from tan, to almost black, with two black streaks running from behind their head to the base of their wings. German Cockroaches are equipped to fly but rarely do so.
Now, let’s talk numbers! The German Cockroach has three life stages: the egg, the nymph, and the adult. Their entire life cycle is complete within 100 days. Females lay between 4 to 8 egg capsules during their lifetime, and each egg capsule produces between 30 to 48 eggs. A single female cockroach will have between 120 to 384 young! One pair of German Cockroaches can produce 10,000 offspring in just one year!
Now that we have established the presence of German Cockroaches in the Treasure Valley, how did they arrive? They hide in small spaces like inside appliances and hitch rides into their new home by way of bags, luggage, boxes, clothes, and many other items that you bring into your home. So if you like shopping in thrift stores and yard sales, use caution!
Here are some key facts and information about German Cockroaches since they have become our neighbors here in Idaho!
- Feed on anything, including soap, glue, and toothpaste!
- Have been linked to disease transmission by picking up germs on the spines of their legs as they crawl through decaying matter!
- Have a phenomenal rate of reproduction.
- Love heat and humidity.
- Spend most of their lives hidden and protected.
- They aggregate!
- Will protect their egg cases.
- Egg capsules are not susceptible to insecticides!
- Regularly disperse to new areas.
- Detect and avoid many insecticides!
- Can develop resistance to insecticides!
- Can change their normal behavior to adapt!
We know that the thought of having cockroaches in your home or business is highly stressful. Fortunately, we have successful protocols and treatment plans to help combat cockroaches. We have given you a lot of knowledge because German Cockroaches can quickly take over any home, business, or community. What can you do to prevent an infestation in your home or business? Throw away all cardboard, newspaper, and clutter, monitor what you bring into your home, and clean out any food on surfaces. If you find one in your home, remember, “Got bugs, get Barrier!”
