German Cockroach

Blatella germanica

German cockroach Facts

German cockroaches are among the most common to be found inside homes all across the US, not just Germany as you might think! These scavengers thrive in relatively warm areas, but do not confine themselves to the south, and can in fact be found in most areas. While they do have wings, they do not often fly, and are more likely to be seen in low, somewhat concealed areas. Many people do not know that they have a German cockroach problem before it is too late, usually because their small size makes it easy for them to hide in unassuming places (like that cluttered corner in your basement).

German cockroach Bites

German cockroaches do not usually bite people. If there is a large German cockroach infestation and there is no other food available, these pests may nibble on a person, but these “bites” are small and virtually harmless.

These cockroaches often give off a musty smell that could easily be mistaken for water damage or mold if they cannot be seen. They tend to stay together in larger groups, so if you find one, more are usually sure to follow. They, like most cockroaches prefer to be active at night, so you may not see very many save for a few single ones roaming around midday. Its important to remember this, as the sight of one usually means more are on the way, or already there and could be a problem. Their adaptability to the lack of available food further means they can thrive more so than some other cockroaches, making early detection and treatment key.

German cockroach Infestation

German cockroaches prefer warmer, more humid environments and if the weather outside isn’t permissible they aren’t at all hesitant to invite themselves over to your place. This means that German cockroaches are commonly found in houses, more so than they are found outside. They are usually introduced to a household accidentally through the transportation of materials (often bags or boxes that have been outside for a while) closer to or inside a house. Once inside the house they are most likely to be found in warm, and humid areas, so kitchens are often a hotspot. Some reports of German cockroach problems even originate inside or around dishwashers and sinks, given the abundance of food scraps and moisture.

It is not at all uncommon to find cockroaches searching for food in houses, although the German cockroach takes the cake (no pun intended) in terms of searching for scraps. Because of their relatively small stature, it doesn’t take much to satiate their appetite, leading them to consume even the smallest of leftover crumbs. Not at all picky, these pests have even been known to even consume starchy non-food materials like books or paper!

Types of German cockroaches

German cockroach Identification

The German cockroach is among the smaller of cockroaches, measuring in at an average of just over half an inch. These are another non-flying species of cockroach, despite the fact that they have wings, which can be helpful in catching or tracking their progress through your house. This cockroach has a fairly thin body given its small stature, and is often a close representation of what homeowners might think of as the “stereotypical” cockroach. They are a darker color in the early stages of development, but lighten to a faint brown (with black stripes on the head) over time.

German cockroaches In The Home & The Apartment

If you believe you may have German cockroaches in your home, keep an eye out for telltale signs. One of the subtler of these signs would be the dropping of the cockroaches, which are often so small that they are confused for everyday grime, or even grease build-up. These small black pellet-like pieces are often found in corners and behind drawers in large quantities. The location of the droppings should further help you identify either the source of food, or the hiding spots of these little guys.

Frequently Asked Questions