What is a German Cockroach?
The German cockroach is the most common cockroach species found worldwide. While German cockroach infestations occur in a variety of human occupied spaces, they are most often associated with restaurants, food processing facilities, hotels, nursing homes and other institutional facilities. Keep reading to learn more facts and to get information on German cockroach control.
German Cockroach Identification
Color
Light brown to tan, with two dark, almost parallel stripes located on their backs, just behind their heads
Legs
6
Shape
Oval
Size
½”-5/8” long
Antennae
Yes
Region
Found throughout the United States
What Do German Cockroaches Look Like?
Adult German cockroaches are recognized by their light brown to tan coloring with two dark, almost parallel stripes, located on their backs. Female German cockroaches tend to be darker than males. German cockroach nymphs are dark brown to black in color with the same dark stripes located on their backs. While German cockroaches have wings, they rarely fly. Instead, they prefer to run.
Signs of a German Cockroach Infestation
German cockroaches prefer to live in warm, humid places close to food and moisture sources. They are frequently found in residential and commercial kitchen environments, and bathrooms, so these are the two most likely places for an infestation to occur. It is also likely to find German cockroach dropping in areas they frequent. Droppings may appear as small, dark, “pepper-like” material left on countertops or in drawers. There may also be fecal staining, which appears as dark spots or smears in the corners of rooms, along the tops of doors or around small cracks and openings into walls.
When German cockroach populations are present in large numbers, it may be possible to detect a mild, somewhat “musty” odor.
German Cockroach Photos
German Cockroach Prevention
How to Get Rid of German Cockroaches
Wondering how to get rid of German cockroaches? The best advice for German cockroach control is to practice good sanitation. To prevent German cockroaches from infesting a home or business, people should maintain a clean kitchen by cleaning up crumbs, wiping spills and vacuuming often. Avoid leaving dishes pile up in the sink. It is also important to seal all entrances to the structure, especially around utility pipes, and ventilate crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup. If there is evidence of a German cockroach infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the German cockroach problem.
German cockroaches can breed at a rate of up to six generations per year, so a pest control company may recommend a reoccurring service to address this rapid reproductive rate.