The most common household and commercial cockroach pest is the German cockroach. These cockroaches are similar in size to their brown-banded cousins, only about half an inch in length. With two dark brown stripes separated by a lighter tan or yellowish stripe on the area behind their heads, they are almost identical in appearance to the Asian cockroach, which is a common pest in the southern states. The only real way to tell the difference between the two species aside from habitat is that the German cockroach lacks fully-developed wings. German cockroaches do have wings, and can glide if disturbed, but cannot fly as Asian cockroaches can.
Not as frequently found in homes and apartments, these insects prefer commercial properties with food preparation areas, such as restaurants, hotels, and even nursing homes. They choose these locales because their main sources of food include meats, starches and sugars. If these foods are not readily available, they will turn to items such as soap, toothpaste, and even other cockroaches.
German Cockroach Life Cycle
Females of the species, like most cockroaches, lay egg capsules. Reddish-brown in color, most of the eggs inside the capsule hatch within 24 hours of it being laid. These young cockroaches molt up to seven times before reaching adulthood. This process of molts typically takes less than two months, but most of the young die during this stage.
German cockroaches prefer enclosed spaces, and will hide in cracks and crevices during the daytime or if they feel threatened. Needing only the smallest of openings, these hiding places can often be overlooked, making them hard to control on your own. This is especially true as these cockroaches cannot survive out of doors in winter, and will do what they can to remain in warm, damp areas with a ready food source. Our technicians are skilled at locating these spots and any areas that may be attracting these insects, and making sure that your pest problem is resolved!
Did You Know?
The German cockroach, contrary to its name, is now believed to have originated in Africa or Southeast Asia!