German Cockroaches: The Basics

German Cockroach

The German cockroach is a smaller species of cockroach, measuring about ½ inch long (as an adult); however, they are known to get larger. It can be light 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 is unable to sustain flight.

The German cockroach is the number 1 roach in the World, and can be found throughout many human settlements. These insects are particularly associated with restaurants, food processing facilities, hotels, and nursing homes. 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 and in the Southern Patagonia.

The German cockroach is originally from Africa, 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, 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 (also known as a "hood" in the U.S.) is very successful at establishing an ecological niche in buildings, and is very hardy and resilient against attempts at pest control. This is because of the large number of nymphs produced from each egg case, the short time period between birth and sexual maturity, and their ability to easily hide due to their small size. The mother 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.

Adult female carrying an ootheca

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. That is also the main reason they can most effectively be controlled with bait in cracks and crevices near harborages. These types of pest control methods must kill 95% of the overall population to be effective in a property due to the fast reproductive cycles.

The German cockroach (discounting the presence of pets), has few natural predators inside a human habitat. The German cockroach's thigmotactic nature compounds the difficulty of pest control treatment. The immature cockroaches will live off excretions and moults from the adult cockroaches and thus can remain hidden away from most surface treatments.

The German cockroach is omnivorous and a scavenger. They particularly like starch, sugary foods, grease and meats. In certain situations where there is a shortage of food-items, they may eat household items such as soap, glue and toothpaste or they may even turn cannibalistic, often chewing on the wings and legs of each other.

Nymphs emerging from an ootheca

To ensure the highest percentage of successful elimination, we strongly suggest performing 3 simple steps:  eliminate potential food sources, eliminate clutter, and use a professional pest control company.

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Overview of Roaches

Roaches

There are typically five kinds of cockroaches commonly found in Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois (Northern United States). They vary somewhat in appearance, reproductive capacity, and habits. We will be discussing the following:  German Cockroach, American Cockroach, Oriental Cockroach (or Waterbugs), Brown-banded Cockroach, and the Pennsylvania Woods Cockroach (or Woods Roach). I will be following this blog with a more in-depth look at each of these species mentioned. Generally speaking, they are all rather large, flattened insects, brownish or dark in color and fast moving. Roaches seek concealment in the daytime and also when disturbed at night. They may be carried into homes in boxes, egg cartons, beverage cases and produce such as potatoes. In apartments (and other large buildings) they readily migrate from one place to another along water pipes, plumbing lines, and other conduits.

German Cockroach

The German roach is a very common species and usually found in kitchens and/or bathrooms (drawn to heat & humidity). The adults are comparatively small (about 1/2 inch long), tan in color and often occur in large numbers. The immature – nymphs, have dark markings which make them appear dark brown to black.

American Cockroach

The American roach is reddish-brown and is the largest of the common roaches (about 1-1/2 inches in length at maturity). It is found more often in food establishments, although houses and apartments near such establishments can frequently become infested.

Oriental Cockroach

(Waterbug)

The Oriental roach is also large (about 1 inch in length) and shiny black or very dark brown. It is often called a “water bug” or “black beetle.” This species is frequently found in dampness and may enter homes through sewer openings. It may likewise live outdoors during the summer months and move from home to home.

Brown-banded Cockroach

The Brown-banded roach is a southern species but is often found in Indiana. It resembles the German roach in size but differs in habits. It may infest the entire home, rather than confining itself to the kitchen or where there is food. Infestations usually start from luggage, furniture or other materials shipped from one place to another.

Woods Roach

The Woods roach normally lives under the loose bark of dead trees, logs or stumps. It sometimes invades homes built in or near wooded areas, but it does not thrive indoors. Males are nearly 1 inch long and dark brown with a pale stripe on the outer margins of the wings. They are fairly good fliers and often enter homes this way. They can also be carried in on firewood. The females are short-winged and resemble the Oriental roach, but they are seldom found indoors.

How you can help:

The chances of effective, lasting cockroach control are greatly increased if thorough sanitation precedes proper chemical application. The destruction of breeding places (by clearing out garbage and clutter, sealing cracks and openings, etc.) and the removal of food and water sources, will aid in controlling and eliminating populations.

German Cockroach (female with egg-sack)

American Cockroach

Oriental Cockroach

Brown-banded Cockroach

Woods Cockroach

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