German Cockroaches In Sydney
Cockroaches are one of the most common insects found in homes, restaurants, food handling areas, and they are perhaps the most despised and widespread pests known to man. Cockroaches are a high risk pest to have in your home as they carry a range of serious illnesses such as salmonella, dysentery, and gastroenteritis.
The risk is increased in homes with children, the elderly and those fighting illnesses. Cockroach droppings have been implicated as being a contributing factor leading to childhood asthma. Apart from the health risks, cockroaches are a disturbing pest to many homeowners and they also produce an obnoxious odour that contaminates nearby food and belongings.
Cockroaches can breed rapidly and are highly resilient. A quick response is essential to prevent cockroaches in your home or spreading to your neighbours.
Recognising Cockroaches
There are three common species mainly found in homes and the first one I am going to cover is the German cockroach, especially since there appears to be an outbreak in Sydney at the moment. Read More
The German cockroach
The German cockroach is often mistaken as a baby cockroach, when in reality they are not a baby but a different species. Out of all of the cockroach species the German cockroach is the one that is known to breed & spread the fastest.
This species of cockroach is not just a problem in residential homes, but also businesses!
The German cockroach has a flattened oval shape body, spiny legs, and long antennae.
Originating in tropical Africa, the German cockroach is now found worldwide and typically inhabits humid, dark environments where it can easily hide. This species of cockroach is easily identifiable by two dark brown strips running down the outside edge of the pronotum – the ‘shield’ in between the head and wings. German cockroaches are a light brown or tan colour and are approximately 13 – 16mm in length.
The German cockroach eats food of all kinds and may even enter your home on egg cartons, soft drink cartons, sacks of potatoes, onions, flat packed furniture, used furniture, beer cases, etc.
These roaches can move from building to building and can develop into large populations and live throughout the home, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Roaches can damage food, wallpaper and books. They have even been known to eat the glue from furniture, envelopes and they produce an unpleasant odour.
German cockroaches are most commonly seen in the kitchen, bathroom or laundry. If you have a problem in the bedroom, it generally means you have had them for a while and due to over crowding have moved.
A common misconception with these cockroaches is just because you do not see them in winter does not mean there gone, it just means they are trying to keep warm in groups.
German Cockroach Life cycle
How do I know I have German Cockroaches?
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- Seeing live insects – cockroaches are nocturnal and hide during the day. You will most likely see them when turning on the light in the kitchen at night
- Egg cases and cast skins – cockroaches shed their skin 5-8 times as they mature.
- Droppings – cockroaches leave a dust of black droppings less than 1mm wide and of varying lengths.
- Odour – established cockroach infestations produce an unpleasant, musty smell.
- Damage – cockroaches will attack organic goods including leather and books.
Treatment
The Treatment for German cockroaches is different than the larger cockroaches. Sydneys Best pest Control use gel to eradicate German cockroaches as using powder, gas, and conventional sprays will only temporarily stop them.
Sydneys Best Pest Control has done well over 25,000O German cockroach treatments, and 99.5% of the time only one treatment has ever been required. We also offer you a 6 month warranty
When you see German cockroaches in the bedroom, it generally means you have had them for a while and due to over crowding have moved and just because you do not see them in winter does not mean there gone, it just means they are trying to keep warm in groups.
Treatment Preparations
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- Clean the kitchen
- Remove any boxes, Paper and plastic bags, to minimize breeding/living areas.
- Mop behind the fridge.
- Clean behind the microwave.
- If you have a severe infestation in other parts of the house, please make sure the place has been cleaned, clutter removed
What to expect after treatment
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- You should see a 70-80% drop off of German cockroaches in the 1st week.
- They should all be gone in 6 weeks.
- If you have any baby cockroaches reappear, wait 1 further week, if you still have the German cockroaches, please call us back to rectify as you get a no questions asked 6 month warranty.
FAQs
Do I need to empty the cupboards?
No, it’s not necessary to empty cupboards, as we apply a gel. No liquid sprays need to be applied to these areas.
Will the gel that is applied to the inside of cupboards contaminate food?
No it will not. The gel is only applied to areas where insects congregate or harbour, like cracks, crevices or hinges.
Will I still see pest activity after treatment?
Yes, it’s possible that insects may wonder in from outside. Chances are that they will have crossed treated areas and will die shortly after.
Do I need to wash everything after the treatment?
There is no need to wash utensils or surfaces once the treatment is carried out.
Warnings
1. Cockroach Bombs
Do not use cockroach bombs if you have a German cockroach infestation as the bombs will NOT eradicate the problem. Using a cockroach bomb will force the cockroaches to other rooms in your house.
Many customers who have used cockroach bombs have informed us that the German cockroach issue which had been confined to the kitchen is now throughout the entire house!
The greater the infestation, the more costly it is to treat.
2. Companies offering you cheap pest control
I have received numerous calls from customers who decided to take the cheapest pest control service they could find. Only to realise that after they have paid the technician, they end up with a greater German cockroach problem because
(a) They have placed the gel in incorrect areas – deeming it ineffective
(b) They have not used enough gel.
(c) They have used powders or sprays
(d) They do not hold up their warranty period
Note: This action really annoys me and I do feel for the customers who have been scammed out of their money, putting their homes, possessions and their health at greater risk. I and the team at Sydneys best pest control strongly believe in customer satisfaction and doing the job right the first time. Before you hire any company check out their references, ask if they know what they are doing and if something sounds too good to be true then it probably is!
If you have an issue with German cockroaches give us a call today to prevent the situation getting out of control!
