Size
German cockroaches reach about ½ inch in length.
Color
The German cockroach is tan to brownish in color with two dark, longitudinal stripes. Wings reach the end of the abdomen in females and extend just beyond the tip of the abdomen in males. Neither males nor females are capable of flight.
Habits
The German cockroach is a nocturnal animal that avoids light and is almost always found indoors. Indoor infestations are typically started when roaches enter the home inside of packages. This cockroach has a higher moisture requirement than many other species, and is therefore most likely to be living in kitchens or bathrooms.
Diet
German cockroaches are not picky eaters and will consume just about anything including human hair, fingernails and toenails.
Reproduction
The German cockroach reproduces faster than any other cockroach. Females produce an average of five egg capsules in their lifetime, each holding an average of 30-40 eggs. It takes an egg three months to mature to adulthood, which means there can be up to four generations of cockroaches each year.
Other Information
German cockroaches spend most of their time hiding in cracks, voids and crevices. They can pollute food, damage wallpaper and books, consume the glue from furniture, and often produce an unpleasant odor. Some adults and children are allergic to roaches.
Treatment Tips
Proper identification is key in eliminating any roach infestation.
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