German Cockroach

Description

The German cockroach is by far the most important and usually the most common of the cockroaches. They have two dark, almost parallel stripes located on their backs, just behind their heads. German cockroaches have six legs, an oval shape, and long antennae. They can fly but are not good at it and only fly for short distances. With a short life cycle, adults live for only about 100 days. Female cockroaches can produce up to 400 eggs in their lifetime, and eggs hatch after about two weeks. Nymphs (baby cockroaches) go through several molts before they reach adulthood.

Pest Facts

Color
Light brown to tan, with two dark, almost parallel stripes located on their backs, just behind their heads

Legs
Six

Shape
Oval

Size
½-5/8 inch

Antennae
Yes

Flying
Yes

Region
All 50

Habits

German cockroaches can be found in various areas within structures but tend to favor warm and humid environments. They are commonly discovered in kitchens and can also infest rooms where people consume food and beverages. These pests exhibit a preference for cracks and crevices near food sources.

Habitat

German cockroaches thrive in close proximity to food and water sources, making residential and commercial kitchen environments particularly attractive to them. They seek out cracks and crevices as their preferred living spaces, allowing easy access to sustenance.

Threats

Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms, and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. They can pick up germs on the spines of their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage and then carry these into food or onto food surfaces. Germs that cockroaches eat from decaying matter or sewage are protected while in their bodies and may remain infective for several weeks longer than if they had been exposed to cleaning agents, rinse water, or just sunlight and air. Medical studies have shown that cockroach allergens cause many allergic reactions, especially in children. They were even shown to cause asthma in children. These allergens build up in deposits of droppings, secretions, cast skins and dead bodies of roaches.

Prevention

Good sanitation practices, habitat reduction, regular vacuuming, surveillance, and a baiting program can help reduce or eliminate cockroach problems. It is also crucial to address moisture sources, such as leaking pipes, as this diminishes the appeal of the environment for these pests.

Protecting your home and business from German cockroaches begins with understanding their habits and characteristics. If you require professional assistance in dealing with a cockroach infestation, contact Scherzinger Pest Control. Our expert technicians are well-equipped to handle pest problems and provide effective solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Please note that all information provided is sourced directly from the National Pest Management Association, ensuring accurate and reliable information for your reference.