German Cockroach

There are hundreds of different types of cockroaches, each with its own unique traits and challenges. The German cockroach is one of the most common ones you’ll find. It is most often found in places like restaurants, hotels, and nursing homes. And it can be one of the most difficult to get rid of.

What does the German cockroach look like?

What does the german cockroach look like? Adult German cockroaches are light brown or tan in colour, but the female German cockroach is darker in colour. The roach has two distinct, dark stripes on its back. German cockroaches are small in size and can range from half an inch to 5/8 of an inch. German cockroaches have wings but are not likely to fly. They are much faster at running.

Female German roaches breed quickly and can produce up to 40 eggs each time. Younger German roaches or nymphs are dark or black and have the same stripes as the adult roach. They also lack wings.

The good news is that German cockroaches have a short life span. Females only live up to 280 days, while males will die after 140 days.  However, they are also believed to have the ability to develop resistance to insecticides.

Are German roaches harmful?

Cockroaches can cause serious health problems in people, which is why you need to get rid of them quickly. These pests carry bacteria that they spread around your space. If they’ve been able to gain access to the food in your cupboard or fridge, you need to toss it. The bacteria left behind from their bodies and droppings can lead to salmonella poisoning.

German roaches also present a hazard for those with asthma or allergies. Breathing in cockroach allergens can cause a serious reaction. Some researchers are concerned that having roach allergens around can lead to asthma in young children.

Cockroaches have been known to bite humans, but we are not the primary food source. Rather, these bites happen when they are feeding off dry skin or food particles on our skin. These bites usually happen at night, but they are rare.

One of the biggest problems with German cockroaches is that they tend to take up residence in businesses like restaurants and hotels. This can put them in contact with a large number of people. Aside from the health risks that we’ve already listed, a large number of German cockroaches present an additional challenge. They can travel with those who visit these businesses and get transported to new places. Once in the new place, German roaches can start multiplying and lead to another infestation.

Signs of a German roach infestation

The German cockroach prefers locations that are warm and humid. They also like to live close to food sources, which is why you’ll often find them in kitchens. These roaches can also commonly be found in bathrooms because it provides a water source.

These pests have a range of food sources they survive on, including pet foods, book bindings, and even leather. When desperate, the German cockroach will eat other cockroaches’ dead bodies or droppings.

German roaches leave droppings behind in areas they visit often. These droppings are dark in colour and look like pepper. They are often found on cupboards or inside drawers. Cockroaches, including the German species, also leave their droppings as smears on walls. This can be seen around door frames or in cracks or small openings around your building.

A large number of German cockroaches produce a musty smell. And because they reproduce quickly, it does not take long before you have a significant number of German roaches in your space.

Spotting a German roach nest

Finding out how many German cockroaches have taken up residence on your property requires finding its nest. Cockroach nests are the places where lots of roaches live together. They tend to congregate because of pheromones that German roaches release to attract other cockroaches. If an adult German roach finds a suitable place with easy access to water and food, they’ll send pheromones to other roaches. And you have the beginnings of a German roach nest.

German cockroaches have nests in dark spaces that are often hard to reach. Because these pests are nocturnal, it can be difficult to track them down. However, professional exterminators have the experience and expertise to find and eliminate German cockroach nests.

How to get rid of German cockroaches

German cockroaches can be difficult to get rid of on your own. If you suspect an infestation, your best bet is to call in a professional. They have the training and equipment to get rid of German cockroaches from your property. Depending on the level of infestation, a professional exterminator may apply cockroach bait, spray or fog.

It’s also important to avoid another infestation by following these tips:

Clean your home regularly. This includes wiping up spills and crumbs immediately. You should also vacuum regularly and wash your floors.

Don’t leave dirty dishes. Wash your dishes before going to bed each night. If that’s not possible, leave them in a sink of warm, soapy water. That will prevent German cockroaches from eating your leftovers.

Fasten your food. Put all your food items inside containers and close them tightly. This can prevent them from snacking while you sleep.

Put pet food away. Don’t leave pet food out in an open bowl, as German cockroaches will consider it a food source.

Seal your property. Ensure there is no way for German cockroaches to get into your building by sealing up any cracks or small openings.

Ventilation. Avoid excess moisture and humidity in your building by property venting your space. You can also use a dehumidifier.

Complete plumbing repairs. Cockroaches are attracted to water sources, and any leaks or moisture buildup will draw them in. It’s best to have any plumbing problems fixed quickly.

Declutter often. German roaches love to hide, so remove any boxes or other items that pile up. This makes it difficult for them to hide in your space.