Negative Impact German Cockroaches Have On Local Restaurants
The German cockroach is considered by most to be the most established type of cockroach on earth--and for good reason. Of all of the roaches that make their way into homes and businesses, German cockroaches are, arguably, the most successful. German cockroaches are quite a bit smaller than other roaches. This gives them easier access to buildings and, once inside those buildings, they have an easier time making it from place to place. And, since they don't require as much moisture as other roaches, they are able to stay inside indefinitely. And why would they want to leave? Inside they have the warmth needed to survive cold winters. And, if allowed, they will continue to forage for food, and multiply, until they become a problem that cannot be ignored. In a restaurant setting, this can quickly become a horrifying nightmare.
Identification
An adult German cockroach is easily recognized by its light brown or tan coloration and 2 black horizontal stripes located on the pronotum immediately behind its head. They grow to be around 13-16 mm in length. The smaller, young roaches, or nymphs, are darker (almost black) in color and also have black stripes behind their heads.
Why German Cockroaches Are A Threat
- Since these insects are so small, as mentioned, they have easy access to places larger roaches may not have. Nymphs are tiny enough to fit through the hole of an electrical outlet. And they can easily squeeze through the minuscule gap on the side of a cardboard box.
- German cockroaches spread illness. Roaches get into some filthy areas, such as dumpsters, garbage cans, and on the rim of toilet bowls. But they can also get into places that are (supposed to be) clean, places such as silverware drawers, cupboards, food storage areas, and more. And, since cockroaches are linked to several bacteria-related illnesses including gastroenteritis, food poisoning, enteric fever, typhoid fever, diarrhea, giardia, listeriosis, Cholera, E.coli, and dysentery, this is never good.
- German cockroaches make allergies worse. The shed skins and excrement of these roaches can cause an allergic reaction in most people. Symptoms may include congestion, skin rash, watery eyes, sneezing and exacerbated asthma symptoms. When German cockroaches get into air ducts and ventilation systems, problems become worse because the allergens become airborne. This can become a serious problem for employees.
- Pheromone smells cause problems. As German cockroaches increase their population levels, the pheromone scent they put off can become quite noticeable. And beyond this unpleasant odor, those pheromone odors can taint food and cause it to have a foul taste.
- German cockroach sightings can cause employees to be demoralized. This may lead to a decrease in productivity. And, if employees become sick due to roach-related illnesses, this will lead to an increase in employee absenteeism.
- Sightings of German cockroaches can greatly impact customers. Since these roaches multiply so quickly and can squeeze through the tiniest spaces, they can quickly gain access to all areas of a restaurant. So it doesn't take long for customers to start seeing them. In the past, this may have resulted in the loss of a few customers but now, in the age of the internet, one sighting could result in a bad review and the loss of many customers.
- Roaches can lead to litigation. If a customer, or possibly an employee, is negatively affected by the presence of German cockroaches, it could result in a lawsuit.
- German cockroaches can lead to failed government inspections. There are not many conditions in a restaurant that can cause an inspection to go poorly faster than the presence of roaches. At best, this can lead to a damaged reputation. At worst, the establishment may be forced to close its doors.
How To Avoid All Of The Problems Listed Above
German cockroaches are notoriously difficult to eradicate, and a difficult pest to exclude without an education in the entomology of these insects, and training in modern pest control methods. It is vital that every restaurant has a pest control plan that is maintained by a trained and certified pest professional.
If you own or operate a business in New York, find out if you're in our service area. Thomas Pest Services provides industry-leading commercial pest control for restaurants and other businesses in the Albany area. Reach out to us today to get your protection in place.
