German Cockroaches

What do German cockroaches look like?

A German cockroach has three stages of development: egg, nymph, and adult. In the egg stage, German cockroaches live inside an egg case called an ootheca. The female carries its ootheca with her. It is orange and brown, similar to the roaches' color. When the egg case is set down and breaks open, tiny nymphs emerge. Nymphs begin as black insects with orange coloration developing down the center. The nymphs look like adult cockroaches without wings. They have six spiny legs, two long antennae, and three body parts. Adult German cockroaches have wings that cover their black coloration with a line of orangish tan running down the center. Only two small lines are visible between the head and the wings. When fully developed, German cockroaches are almond-shaped and about ½ to ⅝ of an inch in length.

What do German cockroaches eat? 

The diet of a German cockroach is diverse. It eats many food sources, which we will break down into categories.

• Human food: German cockroaches eat a wide range of foods that humans consume, but they prefer sweets and oily food.
• Spoiled food: A German cockroach can eat human food long after it is suitable for human consumption. In fact, decaying food is preferable for German cockroaches.
• Pet food: German roaches will eat dog, cat, and bird food and other types of pet food. They are first attracted to sweet food sources.
• Insects: German cockroaches eat other insects, both alive and dead.
• Non-food items: German cockroaches consume many forms of waste. They eat broken pieces of oothecae, the shed skins of other roaches, dead skin and hair from humans, glue, clothing, soap scum, toothpaste, fecal matter of all types, and more.
• Cellulose: German roaches eat cellulose, a complex carbohydrate found in many materials, including wood. While they won't eat a solid piece of wood the way termites do, they will eat paper and cardboard like silverfish.

When working to address a German cockroach infestation, it is essential to understand just how many things these insects eat. You won't drive them out of your home by storing your pantry foods in sealed containers and keeping your kitchen clean—though we recommend applying these pest management steps. When you protect your food and keep your home clean, you guard against the diseases spread by cockroaches.

Are German cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches are known to pick up germs in unsanitary environments and to spread them to stored foods and sanitary surfaces. Some of the organisms spread by German cockroaches are dangerous, such as Salmonella and E. coli. But you should know that German cockroaches are often indoor roaches. Many never go outdoors. That means they are only exposed to harmful microorganisms in your home. If you maintain a clean house, you can guard against illness.

What attracts German roaches?

These insects are attracted to yards that offer food, moisture, and tight hiding places. Here are a few specific examples of items that may attract a German cockroach problem:

• Dirty trash cans
• Leaking faucets
• Clogged gutters
• Puddles
• Piles of junk
• Leaves, plant clippings & other organic debris
• Lumber and other building materials stacked outside

These are only a few examples of what may attract a cockroach problem. Remember that these roaches also move from structure to structure by hitchhiking.

Where do German cockroaches hide?

German cockroaches will hide in any dark void. They can get into a couch, chair, desk, computer, refrigerator, dishwasher, and other items. When these things are moved from one location to another, the roaches move with them.

These pests also hide inside the dark voids found inside structures. They'll hide in wall and floor voids, cabinets, drop ceilings, and more. They prefer warm and humid spaces, so bathrooms are attractive to them.

Do German cockroaches spread easily?

Yes. German cockroaches are the most successful insects on the planet. They survive well inside structures and easily move from location to location.

How fast do German cockroaches multiply?

Given optimal conditions, a single female German cockroach can give rise to a population of over 300,000 roaches in a year. The following factors fuel the speed of reproduction:

• German cockroaches breed almost continually.
• Each female can produce 400 eggs in its lifetime.
• Each new cockroach can start mating in 100 days.
• These roaches survive in harsh conditions on minimal food resources.

How do I get rid of German cockroaches?

If you’ve discovered German cockroaches in your home, contact Marathon Pest Control for assistance. We provide home pest control services that eliminate existing roaches and prevent new infestations year-round.

Can I prevent a German cockroach infestation?

You can take steps to remove attractants and seal your exterior. You also need to inspect all used items you bring into your home. But remember, you're never alone in the battle against German cockroaches. Contact Marathon Pest Control for help protecting your home and family from cockroaches.