Cockroaches are a serious threat to any property, commercial and residential. Their potent smell and their ability to contaminate food preparation areas has resulted in their universal fear factor which is itself reason enough to wish to eradicate this pest from any establishment.
Cockroaches are nocturnal and like hiding in cracks around areas like sinks, drains, cookers and the backs of  cupboards etc. They are difficult to see, sometimes they are seen if you suddenly turn the light on.

The German cockroach is one of the most common types and measure 130mm to 160mm long. Its a light brown colour with two darker parallel stripes form the head to the wings. Despite the wings they are unable to substain flight.
Cockroaches are often found in  restaurants, food processing facilities, hotels and nursing homes. The German cockroach originated from Asia and to the casual observer is almost identical to its Asian cousin.

Biology : The German cockroach has three life stages, the egg, nymph, and adult. The average lifespan is only about 100 days. German cockroaches breed continuously with many overlapping generations present at any one time. The German cockroach is omnivorous, eating table scraps, pet food, and even paper. They produce 5 breeds, with 40 eggs per breed.     

Diseases : Cockroaches are potential carriers of diseases such as dysentery, gastroenteritis, typhoid and poliomyelitis. Cockroaches are also a source of allergens which can lead to allergic illnesses such as dermatitis, rhinitis, bronchitis and asthma.
Germs can be spread from the body of the cockroach or from the droppings. Cockroaches will feed on almost anything including faecal matter. Contamination occurs when the cockroaches come into contact with foodstuffs.

Facts : There are about 4,000 species of cockroach, with 4 species classed as pests.
They include the American cockroach which is about 30mm long, the German which is about 15 mm and the Oriental cockroach , about 25 mm. A cockroach can live almost a month without food. and about two weeks without water.