German Cockroaches

What do German cockroaches look like?

Cockroaches are flat insects with six spiny legs, two antennae, and two exterior appendages called cerci. German cockroaches have shiny tan bodies with a black equal sign on their backs between the head and wings. Speaking of wings, German cockroaches have two pairs that stack on their backs but rarely use them. Asian cockroaches look very similar to German roaches and are strong fliers, so it’s important to note their flying behavior.

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Where do German cockroaches live indoors?

German cockroaches prefer warm, humid environments, but they aren’t picky. You may find them living anywhere in your home. The places to search first are your kitchen, pantry, bathroom, and laundry room. When searching for these roaches, check every tight space. These insects tuck themselves into cracks, gaps, and recesses.

What do German cockroaches eat?

German cockroaches have a disturbing diet. They eat the foods humans, dogs, and cats eat but don’t mind eating them long after they’ve spoiled. Along with eating spoiled food, they eat hair, dead skin, toothpaste, cardboard, paper, fabrics, fecal matter, and more. 

Are German cockroaches harmful?

Yes. There are many ways these insects can impact human health.

• German cockroaches are attracted to unsanitary foods and unsanitary environments. For this reason, they are prone to picking up harmful microorganisms like Salmonella. They can introduce these organisms to stored foods, surfaces, cutting boards, dishes, toothbrushes, and other home items.
• The fecal matter of German cockroaches can present a source of disease transmission.
• German cockroaches can cause rashes on the skin when they crawl on sleeping people.
• A German cockroach population in a home is likely to exacerbate symptoms for anyone suffering from asthma.

German cockroaches reproduce quickly. As the population grows indoors, their ability to impact human health also grows. 

How can I tell if I have German roaches?

A few telltale signs will help you determine whether or not you have these pests living inside your home.

• Black feces stuck to surfaces
• Shed insect skins
• Broken ootheca casings
• Tiny nymphs scurrying around in dark spaces and cracks
• A musty odor near food storage

When inspecting your home for warning signs of a German cockroach infestation, perform your inspection at night when these insects are active.

How do German cockroaches get into homes?

German cockroaches are prolific indoor pests. The most common way they get into homes is by hitchhiking.

• They can climb into bags at the grocery store and ride home with you.
• They can be hiding in used furniture or appliances.
• They can hitch a ride in boxes.
• They can get into your home from the outdoors by exploiting tiny gaps and cracks.

Once they find their way into your home, they will have no trouble living with you permanently. Every house has ample food options for German cockroaches.

What attracts German cockroaches?

Properties that attract German cockroaches offer hiding places, moisture, and food. They hide underneath objects in the yard, particularly in landscaping where the environment is moist and teeming with insects to eat. 

Do German cockroaches multiply quickly?

Yes. One reason why German cockroaches are difficult to control is that they reproduce incredibly fast. Some experts estimate that a single female roach can produce as many as 400 offspring in her lifetime. Every baby cockroach can mate in as little as 50 days. It doesn’t take long for these pests to create a large population. 

How do I get rid of German cockroaches?

If you need help exterminating German cockroaches from your home, contact Termio Pest Control. We offer ongoing home pest control that eliminates German roaches, other cockroach species, and other house-infesting pests! 

How can I prevent a German cockroach infestation?

To prevent German roaches from infesting your home, our local pest control company recommends the following cockroach prevention tips:

• Check bags when you bring groceries home.
• Inspect used items before bringing them indoors.
• If your college-age children come home for the holidays, ask about German cockroach problems in their dorm.
• Apply weather-proofing materials where needed.
• Apply pest-proofing materials to seal gaps and cracks.
• Store certain pantry and kitchen foods in sealed containers to keep cockroaches out.
• Regularly clean floors, rugs, surfaces, and shelves to remove food debris and dust. Dead skin, a key component of dust, is food for these insects.
• Fix leaky faucets or shower heads.
• Use the fan in your bathroom when taking a shower or bath.
• Remove clutter.
• Store cardboard or paper in a sealed bin before disposal.