Cockroaches are among the commonest of insects. Of the approximately 3,500 species of cockroaches that exist in the world, the German cockroach is the most common cockroach species in homes, apartments, restaurants, hotels, as well as other institutions. German cockroaches (eggs included), introduced to an area typically on person’s possessions, luggage, boxes or packages. It just takes getting one egg capsule, six months afterwards you have an infestation.  Infestations are usually present in kitchens and bathrooms, but can inhabit various other areas when there is a large population or you have driven them into each other using the repellent effect of insecticides.

Adult German cockroaches are 1/2 to 5/8 inch long and tan to light brown (Fig. 1). The German cockroach is best recognized by its small size and by two dark parallel lines running from the back of the head to the wings. It is typically found in kitchens (near dishwashers, stoves, and sinks) as well as in bathrooms of homes.

Figure 1. Life Stages of the German cockroach

How to Kill German Cockroaches:

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German cockroaches generally favor a moist environment with a fairly high level of warmth. The insects are mainly scavengers and will go after a multitude of foods. German cockroaches are mostly active during the night time, when they forage for food, water, and mates. Any kind of crack or crevice situated near a supply of food and/or water is a prime hide-out, and they spend around 75% of their time in these hide-outs.  When they are seen in the daytime, it is usually because their hiding places are overcrowded because of a large population or there exists a lack of food and water supply.

 There are many reasons for this cockroach’s perseverance and the problems of controlling it. German cockroaches produce a greater number of eggs per capsule and they go through the shortest time from hatching until sexual maturity, causing a speedy population growth.

Also, and most importantly, German cockroaches are small compared to most other cockroaches and will conceal themselves in many places inaccessible to cockroaches of a larger species. First instar nymphs require a crack of about 1/32" whereas adults require a crack of about 3/16" in width.

German cockroaches produce odorous secretions that may have an affect on the taste of different foods. When cockroach populations are high, these secretions may bring about a characteristic smell in the general area of the infestation. Variations of gastroenteritis (food poisoning, dysentery, diarrhea, and other illnesses) appear to be the main diseases transmitted by German cockroaches.

The German cockroach is among the most difficult types of cockroaches to manage and eliminate. To properly and entirely eliminate these roaches you need to attack them from several fronts. 

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German cockroaches from your home.