The Characteristics of a german cockroach include:
- Oval-shaped Body
- Six Legs
- Long Antennae
- Flat and Low lying body
- Fast moving
- Winged
- Typically ranges in size from 1.1cm to 1.6cm
Diseases
Cockroaches eat anything including human faeces, this means they are riddled with diseases. They are proven or suspected carriers of:
- Diarrhoea
- Salmonella
- Staphylococcus
- Streptococcus
- Dysentery
- Cholera
- Leprosy
- Plague
- Typhoid Fever
- Viral Diseases such as poliomyelitis
In addition they carry the eggs of parasitic worms and may cause allergic reactions. These can include dermatitis, itching, swelling of the eyelids and more serious respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Hiding Spots
Common hiding spots for German Cockroaches
German Cockroaches prefer to live in kitchens, bathrooms and warm areas as they can feed off food spills and have access to water.
Some Hiding Spots for German Cockroaches Include:
- Cracks in walls
- Confined spaces, such as behind the refrigerator, in a pantry or underneath a stack of - magazines, newspapers or cardboard boxes
- Any furniture items that are generally left undisturbed
- Kitchen Cupboards
- Below Sinks
- Around water heaters
- In drains and Grease Traps
- Gardens
Prevention
Tips to keep the Cockroaches away:
- Thoroughly clean your house/room weekly – this consists of wiping all surfaces with - disinfectant, vacuuming and mopping all floor areas and generally tiding belongings
- Clean Kitchen and food preparation areas
- Do Not leave food scraps or dirty dishes around the kitchen
- Clean regularly under the fridge and toaster
- Empty all rubbish bins regularly – At least Once a day
- Do Not leave out any pet food or food scraps in pet bowls
- Clean up any food spills promptly
- Store Food in sealed containers
- Dont stack Newspapers, magazines or cardboard boxes anywhere in your house/room
