Page 38 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
EGG CAPSULE GERMAN COCKROACH NYMPH

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

1.Antenna- long, thin & hairlike 6.Pronotum GERMAN COCKROACH
2.Eyes- 2 7.Petiole- none
3.Head- facing downward 8.Abdomen- covered by wings 1 6 8
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- light brown to tan
5.Wings- covered 10.Other-longitudinal markings on 2
pronotum, found indoors
Life Cycle
The female produces 4-8 egg capsules in her lifetime. Each capsule contains about 30-40
eggs. She carries the capsule until just before the eggs are ready to hatch. This usually 5
takes 28-30 days. Nymphs go through 6-7 instars before becoming adults. The German
cockroach population can grow at least 3-4 generations each year, and can complete the 4
life cycle in as few as six weeks, but the average is 14-15 weeks. Adults will live up to ten
months. Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
GERMAN COCKROACH (Blattella germanica)

Actual size 1/2”
The German cockroach is the most common household roach pest. They are usually found in
kitchens, and bathrooms, but can be in any portion of a heated structure, but especially near
food preparation areas. A nocturnal insect, German cockroaches remain hidden in dark seclud-
ed harborages during the daylight hours. If you see some during the day, it is a sure sign that a
tremendous population exists. Cockroaches are scavengers with a wide choice of food. They
thrive on the same food humans eat and pollute human food in the process of feeding. Cock-
roaches carry disease organisms on the loins and bristles of its body, as well as the sticky pads
on its feet.

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