The presence of pests in a commercial environment can be alarming, especially if the creatures are found near food. One common pest that may invade restaurants, grocery stores, and other establishments is the German cockroach. 

Here are a few signs of infestation and some of the pest control options that may help eradicate the bugs.

Peppery Droppings

German cockroaches often inhabit dark areas, such as corners. If you notice small round, peppery substances in the corners and along the edges of countertops and flooring in your place of business, German cockroaches may have already invaded your building.

The insects release the droppings after they feed. If you notice that the dark debris reappears a day or so after you clean it from the surfaces but have not seen any roaches, the insects are likely emerging at night and hiding during the day. 

A Musky Smell

If you have a large infestation of roaches in your establishment, you may notice an unusual smell. The roaches emit a musky odor when they are startled or alarmed. The smell may increase if you try to treat your space with insecticide sprays. The sprays may cause the bugs to panic and release the odor. The intensity of the odor tends to increase with the number of roaches present. 

Empty Egg Casings

The eggs of the German cockroach are encased in a capsule-shaped membrane. The presence of small empty, oblong casings indicates an infestation. German cockroaches are particularly prolific, and there may be about 40 individual eggs in each casing. The large number of offspring causes the roach population to increase rapidly. 

A roach may be transported to your establishment on the clothing or other belongings of a patron, and in a few short weeks, a full-blown infestation may develop.

Treating the Infestation

There are multiple ways that the pest control professional may treat a German cockroach infestation. They include the following:

Gel baits. These are baits that include an insecticide. The baits attract the roaches, and the insects feed on them. They also take the poison back to their nest on their bodies, causing the death of many more roaches. Additionally, since the roaches are cannibalistic, when they feed on a roach that has eaten the bait, they are poisoned.

Sprays. The insecticide sprays are often used on the perimeter of the floor, where the roaches frequently travel. 

Growth restrictors. Growth restricting agents can help keep the roaches from maturing and reproducing. 

If your establishment is infested by German cockroaches, schedule a consultation with a pest control company like American Pest Professionals in your local area.