German Cockroach
Physical Features
Adult males and females are 1/2 to 5/8 inch long, light brown with two parallel, dark brown stripes on the shield behind the head. German cockroaches have a flattened, oval shape, six spiny legs and long antennae. Immatures/Nymphs are wingless, black and have a single light stripe on its back. Females’ wings are same length as the body with a broader abdomen than the males. Darker in color than males. Females produce egg cases (oothecae) that extend from their abdomen before they are dropped. Males’ wings do not cover the tip of the boat-shaped abdomen. They are lighter brown compared to females.
Life Cycle
Gradual metamorphosis
Egg cases (oothecae) are attached to female abdomens for 28 to 30 days. The ootheca case is 1/4 to 3/8 inch long and holds 30 to 40 eggs. The female will deposit the egg case one to two days prior to the eggs hatching. Immature forms (nymphs) emerge and develop into adult forms in 1-1/2 to 4 months. Nymphs will molt approximately seven times in 60 days before becoming an adult. Females produce 4-5 oothecae during their lifetime of approximately 200 days. German cockroaches carry more eggs per case than other cockroach species. Their immatures complete growth in a shorter period of time, which makes it possible to have three to four generations per year.
Habits
- Diet: Anything including meats and grease, starches, sweets, leather, wallpaper paste, book binding and sizing.
- Activity: Nocturnal
- Preferred Climate: Humid/Warm
- Defense: Speed and ability to hide in tight spaces
- Cautions: Cockroaches have been linked to human illnesses including allergies, food poisoning, dysentery, diarrhea, and childhood asthma. Fecal smears leave pheromone attracting others to food sources. Venture no more than 5 feet from their harbor site.
- Home Invasion: Primarily found indoors in kitchens and bathrooms especially near appliances, water sources and any type of food. Will go outside during warm seasons. Spotting fecal pellets or fecal smears, egg cases, caste skins or smelling an identifiable odor can be a sign of cockroach infestations.
Helpful Hints for Control
- Regular sanitation practices.
- Eliminate water sources.
- Recommend regular pest control service plan.
Interesting Fact
German cockroaches are the cockroaches most often found in homes.
Symptoms
Roach bites are not typical. A cockroach bite is not something that should be feared because these insects are more likely to run and hide than they are to bite.
