German cockroaches are small insects, typically measuring about ½ an inch long. They have flat, oval-shaped bodies, six spiny legs, two antennae, and two small rear appendages called cerci that angle out at 45 degrees. These roaches are tan and easily identifiable by two dark, parallel lines running down their backs. On adult German cockroaches, these lines appear only between the wings and the head, resembling an equal sign.
Be aware that German cockroaches have a look-alike: Asian cockroaches. The main difference lies in wing length—Asian cockroaches have longer wings and are more likely to fly than German cockroaches.
German cockroaches have functional wings, yet they rarely fly. When disturbed, they prefer to scurry away. If they do use their wings, it's typically to glide from a higher surface to a lower one to soften their landing.
German cockroaches have relatively short lifespans—about six months on average. To sustain their population, they reproduce rapidly. Each female produces multiple egg capsules, each containing 30 to 40 eggs. This rapid reproduction rate often outpaces the effectiveness of DIY pest control efforts.
A better question might be: What don’t they eat? German cockroaches survive on a wide variety of food sources, including:
Don’t expect to starve these insects out—they can survive on nearly anything.
Yes. German cockroaches pose significant health risks. Here are three key examples:
For these reasons, professional pest control is strongly recommended.
German cockroaches are small, highly mobile pests that are difficult to keep out. Here are common ways they infiltrate homes:
Preventing infestations requires multiple proactive strategies to stop them from hitchhiking into your home.
These pests prefer dark, tight spaces near food and water sources. They commonly live in areas close to kitchens, pantries, bathrooms, and sometimes attics. Specific hiding spots include:
German cockroaches will also hide in wall, floor, or ceiling voids. They access these spaces through cracks, damaged fixtures, or small openings.
When inspecting for German cockroaches, especially in dark kitchen areas like behind your oven, look for the following signs:
You might also notice a foul odor, which is a characteristic of German cockroach infestations.
Professional pest control is your best option. German cockroaches are resilient, reproduce quickly, and hide well. Contact The Pied Piper at the first sign of a roach problem; you can count on our local pest control team to eliminate the entire infestation!
To keep German cockroaches out of your home, take the following preventive measures:
Routine home maintenance and pest prevention go a long way. For added protection and peace of mind, consider enrolling in a professional pest control service plan. Ongoing treatments provide strong, reliable defense against cockroaches and other pests.
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