10 Facts About the German Cockroach

German cockroaches are never a welcome sight, no matter where you are. They’re a small type of cockroach – you’ve probably seen them before, and maybe wondered if they were young cockroaches that would eventually grow large. They won’t get big, but they will reproduce rapidly, and you’ll start seeing them in bigger and bigger groups.

Have you spotted these common cockroaches in your home or business? If so, knowledge is power.

Here are ten quick facts about German cockroaches that you should know:

1. German cockroaches reproduce extremely quickly.
2. They lay an egg case called an “ootheca.”
3. It takes a German cockroach six weeks to six months to reach maturity.
4. German cockroaches spread dangerous bacteria.
5. Their favorite conditions are high temperature and high humidity.
6. They can climb smooth, flat surfaces easily.
7. Most German cockroaches spend their entire lives hidden and protected.
8. They spread to new places easily.
9. They can trigger asthma and allergy attacks.
10. German roaches have two dark stripes that run down their backs.

Keep reading to dive deeper into each of these facts.

Listen and Learn about German Cockroaches

Top 10 German Cockroach Facts You Should Know

These small roaches can turn into a huge problem quickly when they infest an area. If you see one or two roaches occasionally, or you spot a group of roaches in the kitchen or bathroom at night when you turn on the light, you can feel certain there are many more lurking in the walls and other hidden areas.

Fact #1: German cockroaches reproduce extremely quickly.

• German cockroaches have an extraordinary rate of reproduction. In fact, they’re the fastest-reproducing type of roach. One female cockroach and her offspring can produce thousands of new roaches over the course of a year.

Fact #2: They lay an egg case called an “ootheca.”

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  The ootheca of the German cockroach is an egg case that contains 30–40 eggs. It takes the ootheca about a month to hatch, at which point you’ll start to notice tiny German cockroaches running around.

Fact #3: It takes a German cockroach six weeks to six months to reach maturity.

• Baby roaches have a round body, whereas mature German cockroaches have an elongated body.

Fact #4: German cockroaches spread dangerous bacteria.

• German cockroaches traffic in filth, including their own droppings. Anywhere they go, they’re likely to track germs and bacteria they’ve come in contact with. They’ve been known to spread salmonella and other diseases that are harmful to humans, which is what makes German cockroaches in the kitchen such a serious problem.

Fact #5: Their favorite conditions are high temperature and high humidity.

• They may still infest areas with cooler temperatures and low humidity, but high temperatures and humidity provide the ideal conditions for them to reproduce.

Fact #6: They can climb smooth, flat surfaces easily.

• They have a sticky pad on their feet called an arolium that allows them to go anywhere they want, spreading germs and bacteria throughout.

Fact #7: Most German cockroaches spend their entire lives hidden and protected.

• This old adage is most definitely true when it comes to German cockroaches: “If you can see a few, there are many more you can’t see.” German cockroaches will hide inside walls, behind cabinets, inside appliances, and in many other surprising places. Most German cockroaches go their entire lives without being seen by a person.

Fact #8: They spread to new places easily.

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  German cockroaches are a common (and stubborn) problem in apartment and condo complexes due to their ability to spread throughout the walls. One or two cockroaches can also easily hitch a ride from one location in a box, bag, or on clothing and travel to a new location to start a new infestation.

Fact #9: They can trigger asthma and allergy attacks.

• Even if the roaches are gone, the shed skins they’ve left behind can cause issues. They’ve been known to cause severe asthmatic reactions in some people.

Fact #10: German roaches have two dark stripes that run down their backs.

• Aside from their small size, you can also recognize German cockroaches by the two parallel black lines that run down their back from the bottom of their head.

German Cockroach Prevention Tips

German cockroaches are difficult to prevent because they’re so skilled at survival. They reproduce extremely quickly, and they’ll eat pretty much anything. German cockroach prevention requires a combination of situational awareness and preventative pest control.

To keep German cockroaches out of your home, make sure to keep all food in sealed containers, secure your garbage securely, and store pet food in sealed containers with tight-fitting lids.

Also, be aware that German cockroaches are common in many areas. It’s easier than you think to bring one back with you without realizing it. Always be sure to inspect second-hand items before bringing them into your home.

Professional German Roach Control

If you’re dealing with a German cockroach infestation, it’s crucial to enlist the help of a professional cockroach exterminator as soon as possible. German cockroaches aren’t just difficult to control, they can be dangerous, too!

At Active Pest Control, we know how to implement cockroach control and prevention to keep you safe from German cockroaches year-round. Give us a call to schedule professional roach service, or for a free estimate.