GERMAN COCKROACH INFORMATION & FACTS

The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is a small species of cockroach, measuring about 1.3 cm (0.51 in) to 1.6 cm (0.63 in) long; however, they are known to get slightly bigger. It can be tan through brown to almost black, and has two dark parallel streaks running from the head to the base of the wings. Although it has wings, it does not fly.

The German cockroach is one of the most common and prominent cockroaches in the world. It tends to live indoors near/amongst people. These insects are particularly associated with restaurants, food processing facilities, hotels, and nursing homes, apartment buildings, residential homes, just about anywhere. Indoors they favour harboring in corrugated cardboard boxes, near or under kitchen appliances, under sinks, inside pantries and behind moldings and wall coverings.

In colder climates, they are found only near human habitats, since they are not very tolerant to cold. However German cockroaches have been found as far north as Alert, Nunavut. The German cockroach is originally from Asia, it is very closely related to the Asian cockroach, and to the casual observer they appear nearly identical and may be mistaken for the other.

This cockroach can be seen in the day occasionally, especially if there is a large population or if they have been disturbed. However, sightings are most commonly reported in the evening hours as they are most active at night. This type of cockroach can emit an unpleasant odor when excited or frightened.

The German cockroach is very successful at establishing an ecological niche in buildings, and is very hardy and can be resilient and difficult to control. This is because of the large number of nymphs produced from each egg case, the short period between birth and sexual maturity, and their ability to easily hide due to their small size. The female also carries the egg case (called an ootheca) with her during the germination period, rather than depositing it like other species, a practice which would leave them vulnerable in a human habitat to zealous attempts to wipe them out. This cockroach is also smaller than many other species so it can more easily hide and fit into very small cracks and crevices to evade humans.

Proper Integrated Pest Management Practices is essential in controlling and managing these pests. There are many different approaches to controlling and eliminating these pests. Environmental pest control has exceptional treatment programs available for every potential scenario. From single family homes, complex apartment structures, large commercial facilities, and any possible structure one could imagine.