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German Cockroach

Category

Actual Size: 1/2 to 5/8″

Characteristics: Pale brown with two dark longitudinal stripes behind the head.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Yes, but rarely fly.

Habitat: German cockroaches prefer humid, warm areas. They are often found in residential and commercial kitchens as well as bathrooms. They usually seek out areas where people eat and drink.

Habits:

  • Both males and female German cockroaches are fully winged, but do not fly.
  • German cockroaches can live in big colonies as they reproduce quickly.
  • They live indoors, completely dependent on human habitats for survival.


German Cockroach

German Cockroaches in Atlanta, GA

Found globally, the German cockroach is the most widespread cockroach species. They inhabit various settings, including homes, apartments, supermarkets, food processing plants, and restaurants. Notably, ships, particularly cruise ships and naval vessels, can experience significant infestations. Thriving in warm and humid conditions, these roaches are commonly discovered in residential and commercial kitchens, as well as bathrooms. In cases of severe infestations, they can quickly spread to other areas within a building. The German cockroach has the fastest reproductive rate among common pest cockroaches. A single female and her offspring can yield over 30,000 descendants in a single year.

German Cockroach Habitat

German cockroaches tend to inhabit kitchens, bathrooms, or areas with consistent access to water. In the absence of proper sanitation, these roaches can extend their typical habitat to cover all parts of a structure where sufficient food, water, and shelter are available. German cockroaches display a  preference for hiding in wooden and paper materials, as well as electrical equipment. They may also seek refuge in cabinets, drawers, beneath sinks, and within heat-generating appliances such as dishwashers, microwaves, and coffee makers.

German Cockroach Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Although German cockroaches are not known for biting humans, foraging individuals can act as spreaders of disease, depositing germs or bacteria in the many areas that they inhabit. These cockroaches can also trigger allergic reactions as they leave fecal matter and shed skins around the home, leading to symptoms like skin rashes, watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, and asthma. Beyond the health concerns, German cockroach infestations may also cause psychological stress in humans. The associated social stigma often prompts homeowners to modify their behavior, reducing social activities and avoiding kitchen and bathroom areas at night to steer clear of encountering these pests.

Given the rapid reproduction rate of German cockroaches, immediate attention is crucial when dealing with an infestation. Contact the professional cockroach exterminators at Inspect-All Pest Services for assistance.