PRIVATE  EYE  PEST  CONTROL

Signs of a Cockroach Infestation (German, most regionally common)

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1)  SEEING THE BUGS:  Specimens can easily be located in warmer more humid conditions indoors.  Ideal and common locations are the kitchen and bathroom, especially under sinks.  The stove, fridge and dishwasher also offer consistent harborage locations as moisture from condensation and food can be readily found. 

2)  DEFECATION (fecal droppings):  German cockroach droppings may appear as small, dark, 'black pepper' material left on counter tops or in drawers.  Pay special attention to the hinges of kitchen and bathroom cabinets.  Fecal staining may appear as dark spots or smears, some that are slightly raised, in the corners of rooms, along the tops of doors or around small cracks and openings into walls.

3)  EGG CAPSULES:  The german cockroach female carries their egg case until 1 to 2 days before depositing it.  Empty egg cases may be found in areas that the females frequent.

4)  ODOR - German cockroaches are known to secrete a number of odorous compounds.  When a population becomes too large in number you may be able to detect a mild, or what can be described as a 'musty' odor.

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How did this happen?

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You can pick up cockroaches almost anywhere but in most cases the pests are introduced into a structure or residence when bags, boxes or cardboard containers are brought into the home.  They may even be brought in with used appliances and other second hand items.  In multi unit living complexes (apartment, condo, retirement home, etc.) cockroaches can easily move between units, using the shared plumbing and pipe accesses as a highway.  Once established they can be very difficult to control without the help of an experienced Pest Control Technician.  You can reduce your chances of a costly cockroach infestation by catching them early.

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    Tips

 

• Maintain a consistent cleaning schedule as well as recycling routine

• Keep any open foods in sealed containers

• Fix or replace any leaking pipes.  Pay attention that all appliances are working properly and not creating excessive heat or moisture. 

• Closely inspect any second-hand furniture or other items before bringing them into your home

• Inspect your home after moving, trips or service calls

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What else do I need to know?

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• Reproduction - German cockroaches are known for their ability to reproduce very quickly.  The female cockroach only needs to mate once for the production of young.  After mating, and under normal conditions, they will produce on average 4 to 6 egg cases during the course of their lives.  With each egg case, or ootheca, containing on average 30 to 40 eggs.  This egg case is then carried by the female until 1 to 2 days before hatching.  Depending upon the conditions, the average time for development from egg to adult can range from 54 to 215 days, with an average of approximately 100 days.  As an adult, the german cockroach can survive anywhere from 100 to 200 days.

• Cockroaches and Disease - German cockroaches are also known for their ability to easily transmit a number of pathogens, including E. Coli, Salmonella and Typhoid Fever.  Recent studies have also indicated that in larger metropolitan areas, the development of asthma in children can be directly linked to the presence of the german cockroach.

• Protocol and Responsibility - Preparation sheets are available and are the protocol used in getting ready for your cockroach service.  Completion of all steps are important to ensure proper and adequate coverage so the product application can be at its most effective.  Communication and monitoring is key as well.  Now that you know you have cockroaches you will be armed with a wealth of knowledge to make the coming weeks easier as we work together towards complete control up to elimination!