German Cockroach
Color: Tan to light brown
Size: 1/2 – 5/8″
Legs: 6
Diet: Anything that contains organic materials
Hazard: Spread bacteria, may cause asthma
Where to find them: Damp or damaged wood
What do German Cockroaches Look Like?
German cockroaches are small, about 1/2 to 5/8". They are tan to light brown and have two dark parallel streaks running from their head to the base of their wings. Adult German cockroaches have wings but cannot fly.
Where do German Cockroaches Live?
The German cockroach is the most common cockroach found indoors. You can find them in areas of high humidity with food nearby, including:
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In and around refrigerators and stoves
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Under sinks
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Cabinets
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Sink traps
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In bathrooms
What do German Cockroaches Eat?
German cockroaches are quite resourceful scavengers. They can feed on almost any food source available, including toothpaste, soap and the bindings of books. German cockroaches are known for their ability to take advantage of even the smallest amounts of food, including crumbs missed during cleaning or dirty dishes left in the sink overnight.
What are Signs of German Cockroaches?
In most cases, German cockroaches make their way into your home when bags, boxes or cardboard containers are brought in. They can even be brought in with used appliances. In multi-unit apartment buildings, German cockroaches can easily move between apatrments, using the shared plumbing and pipes as passageways.
How Can I Tell if I Have American Cockroaches?
Look for these signs to determine if you have American cockroaches:
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Droppings. German cockroach droppings look like small, dark, “pepper-like” material left on counter tops or in cabinets and drawers. Fecal staining may appear as dark spots or smears, some that are slightly raised, in the corners of cabinets and along the edges and tops of doors.
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Egg capsules. The egg capsule is about 1/4" long. The female carries the egg capsules and then drops it usually in a secluded part of the infested area (see picture below). Empty egg cases may be found in areas that the females frequent.
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Odor. When German cockroach populations are present in large numbers, it may be possible to detect a mild "musty" odor.
How Do You Treat German Cockroaches?
The first step is a thorough inspection. After we confirm you have American cockroaches, we will create a custom treatment plan that can include:
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Habitat alteration. (See list below)
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Baiting. Gel or granular bait can be effective to control or eliminate cockroaches. These baits are places where German cockroaches will eat and share with others. All the bait placement is done out of reach of children or pets.
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Residual insecticides. Applied into cracks and crevices, these can help keep German cockroaches from hiding in the treated areas.
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How to Keep German Cockroaches Out of Your Home
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Keep food in tightly sealed containers or Ziploc bags.
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Store bags of dry food in plastic containers with snap-close lids. Pick up spilled food.
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Store leftover food in your refrigerator with a good seal around the door.
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Keep counters, food prep surfaces, kitchen appliances and floors as clean as possible.
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Deep clean your kitchen. Focus on areas where grease accumulates: exhaust hoods, microwave ovens, stoves, countertops and refrigerators.
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Store food waste in closed plastic trash bags in outdoor trash cans.
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Thoroughly rinse out glass jars, bottles and cans before sorting for recycling.
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Reduce available drinking water: sink traps, drain pipes, washbasin tubs, leaky pipes and faucets and pet dishes.
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Seal cracks and holes in walls
Call Us at the First Signs of German Cockroaches.
Don't wait until you have a full blown infestations.
German cockroaches carry bacteria, protozoans and viruses on their bodies. They also can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, dysentery and other illnesses.
The longer you wait, the more costly and difficult treatment may be.
Call us today to set up an initial appointment.