German Cockroach

The German Cockroach

German Cockroach

German Cockroach

Cockroaches are one of the most nauseating pests we come across and always want to eradicate from our premises. Identifying their species is essential for a proper remedy against them as there are around 4000 types of roaches in this world. The German cockroach is the most common cockroach species that exists in domestic settings. The following details will guide you in identifying and controlling these pests.



German cockroaches are small roaches. Their average body size is 1.1 to 1.6 cm long and posses’ different colors that vary from tan to light brown to blackish brown. They have a flat oval-shaped body, long antennae, and two dark colored, parallel stripes which run down on their back. They have a pair of wings, however, they aren’t functional.


German cockroaches live in warm and humid habitat. They select places for nesting which provides them easy access to food and water. German cockroaches don’t fly; they only glide if feel threatened. They can run fast and swiftly move around in their surroundings and then hide in their nests.

The german roach uses their antennae to communicate with their fellow roaches. Their antennas serve as sensory devices for them, which they also use to find food and analyze their environment. Young roaches never get out from the aggregation setting to search for food; adult cockroaches go out, take in the food and then feed the young roaches with their fecal droppings.


Spotting cockroach feces is the first sign of cockroach presence. If you find dark, pepper-like spots or droppings on kitchen cabinets, drawers, near the cracks or corners of the rooms, then this points toward the presence of German cockroaches.

For further confirmation, check for their empty egg capsules which they shed. A musty odor is a clue for an existing cockroach infestation, because when the chemicals they release are in large quantity, then such odor is produced.


German cockroaches are prominent domestic pests which are invading houses worldwide. Like most of the pests, German roaches too enter in search of food and water, but they commonly spread in residential environment by hitchhiking in cardboard boxes, grocery bags, luggage, second-hand infested furniture, electronics, etc. Their small size helps them in hiding in corners and behind items. They usually nest around garbage bins, kitchens, washrooms and under sinks as these areas fulfill their dietary needs.


How to get rid of german cockroaches

How to get rid of German cockroaches


Proper sanitation is the backbone of any pest-extermination plan. Maintain hygiene of your house, clean it regularly and focus more on the kitchen as they usually reside near food sources and it’s their favorite hideout. Dispose of garbage regularly, vacuum more often and wipe out all food crumbs from your surroundings.

Roach Baits:

To restrict the activity of roaches and to get rid of them, baits can be used. Gel baits and dust baits are much effective against German roaches, and after using them, you can install bait stations. Glue traps can also be used if there are few roaches.

Contacting professionals:

German cockroaches multiply at an unbelievable high speed, their breeding speed can turn an invasion of a few cockroaches into a massive cockroach infestation in no time. If you spot a single roach roaming around in your kitchen at the daytime, it indicates towards presence of so many of its family members in your house and it’s not easy to eradicate them all. For this, it’s better to contact a professional cockroach exterminator, as he’ll skillfully deal with the problem.

Facts About German Cockroach

  • German cockroaches have a huge breeding speed and they can reproduce up to six generations in one year.
  • German cockroach is notorious for spreading disease-causing bacteria. It can spread as many as 33 different types of bacteria by contaminating food it comes across.
  • They eat almost everything, even glue, soap and toothpaste too.
  • German cockroach droppings can cause asthma and allergies.

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