How to Recognize German Cockroaches

Are you one of those people who wants to know how to recognize German cockroaches? Or are you one of those who want to get rid of them by noticing them? Well, this post is for you. If you have ever seen a cockroach in a house or restaurant, it was likely a German cockroach. It has the scientific name Blattella germanica and is the most prevalent cockroach species globally, living everywhere. Moreover, it is one of the hardest pests to eradicate due to its rapid reproduction and resistance to pest control measures. The following are some things you should know about how to recognize a German cockroach:

Appearance

  • This cockroach is tan or light brown in hue with two dark, nearly parallel stripes on the back.
  • With two black stripes behind their heads, these light to medium brown roaches are on the small side, measuring less than an inch long.
  • Females are usually darker in color than males.
  • The nymphs (babies) are black or dark brown with the same stripes as the adults.

Characteristics

  • Even though adults of both sexes have well-developed wings, these roaches prefer to scurry and crawl on surfaces rather than fly.
  • The German cockroach is much smaller than the American cockroach.
  • They excrete little, brownish droplets of feces everywhere they consume and reside.
  • They produce a musty odor wherever people assemble.
  • Germs can accumulate on their bodies and legs.
  • Allergens in their products can induce allergic responses. They have been linked to the spread of six different parasite worms, 33 different bacteria, and seven or more different human illnesses.

Behaviors and Habits

  • They are more likely to attack your fingernails, eyelashes, feet, and hands, which causes pain, blisters, edema, and even minor infection.
  • They are more likely to attack humans during large infestations with insufficient food sources.
  • They are active throughout the day and hide in dark crevices at night.
  • They are likely fond of fermented foods and beverage residues.
  • Adult male German cockroaches move the most, while pregnant females seldom leave the harborage.
  • Adults can fit through holes as tiny as 1/32 of an inch.

Life Cycle

  • The German cockroach passes through three standard metamorphosis stages: egg, nymph, and adult.
  • Females may lay more than 400 eggs in their lifetime, despite having a short lifespan of three to six months.
  • They produce one egg capsule containing 25 to 45 eggs every three to four weeks. They often transport their egg capsules until they are ready to hatch.
  • Young nymphs attain sexual maturity at 36 days and can live for up to a year, making them an insect with a high reproductive potential.

If you identify these features of German cockroaches (or the American version), good for you! Now give us a call and we’ll get rid of them!

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