Cockroaches
Description: The worldwide number of cockroaches is an estimated 3,500 species. German cockroaches, one of the most common residential roaches are ½ to 5/8 inches long when mature, light brown to tan, and have fully developed wings.
Biology: All cockroaches undergo a gradual metamorphosis that is characterized by three distinct stages- egg, nymph, and adult. For most species, females produce an egg case, in which a number of eggs are lined up in two equal rows. With each molting of the exoskeleton, the cockroach nymphs grow in size and reach adulthood after several months. The adult stage is usually winged although in some species, the female has vestigial wings.
During her lifetime, the female German cockroach produces four to eight egg capsules each of which contains 30 to 40 eggs. The female carries the egg capsule partially within her abdomen until just before the nymphs are ready to emerge
Habits: German Cockroaches are the most common household insect within the U.S. This pest typically infest kitchens and bathrooms but will live anywhere inside heated structures in which there is food, water, and harborage. They rarely are found outdoors and then only during warm weather. German cockroaches gain entry into structures in grocery bags, cardboard boxes, drink cartons, infested equipments such as used fridges, toasters, and microwaves. Cockroaches feed on all types of human foods, pet food, toothpaste, soap, glue, etc. German cockroaches are active at night, leaving their harborage to find food and water. They remain hidden in dark, secluded harborage areas. At most….only one third of the population forages at night. Observation of foraging cockroaches during the day is a good indication that there is a tremendous population.
Learn About Other Pests:
TICKS, BEDBUGS, CENTIPEDES, MILLIPEDES, EARWIGS, SILVERFISH, HOUSE CRICKETS, BOX ELDER BUGS, STINK BUGS, CARPET BEETLES, CLOVER MITES