How to Identify German Cockroaches
The German cockroach is one of the most familiar species of roaches in North America. It is often called “the water bug” because it can swim. They are about 1/2 inch long and reddish-brown, with two light-colored stripes on their head region (thorax). German cockroaches prefer warm areas near food, moisture, and warmth. They are nocturnal insects that come out at night to forage for food and water.
They can be distinguished from other species by their oval-shaped body and two dark brown stripes that run down the pronotum (the top part of its thorax). Unlike many different types of roach, they do not breed in sewers or basements like American roaches but rather live freely within structures where food is available, such as kitchens and bathrooms. This article will teach you how to get rid of them using different cockroach exterminator techniques and natural remedies!
Characteristic of German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are brown with two dark stripes down their back. Unlike other cockroaches, German cockroaches have very flat bodies, and they can’t fly. They’re typically present in kitchens, bathrooms, and cabinets.
German cockroaches can be identified by their antennae, which are longer than the pronotum, and their elongated members (cerci). They measure around 8-12mm as adults. They are reddish-brown with a yellowish border behind and on the legs, which they move quickly. German cockroaches live in human homes and buildings but can be found outside as well, for example, under stones or logs.
German cockroaches have wings but do not fly and are mainly observed on walls or in nooks close to food sources. They only rarely climb vertical surfaces, such as trees or posts. They have a lifespan of approximately three months.
When disturbed, the German cockroach can emit a distinctive, disagreeable odor. In most cases, their smell can be detected by the human nose (when a single individual is disturbed and not when it is part of a large infestation). German cockroaches are mostly active at night, though they move about in the light as well.
Where do German Cockroaches Live
German cockroaches are one of the most common household pests in the world. They live in moist and humid environments such as sewers and bathrooms. They can survive on a variety of foods, including starch, sugar, and greasy substances. Although they usually stay indoors, they can also be found outside in drier climates. Their habitats include commercial buildings, hospitals, food-processing facilities, and residences. German cockroaches are considered ‘true bugs’ because they have piercing/sucking mouthparts that allow them to feed on other insects or plants.
German cockroaches make their nests in dark, moist places such as crevices and cracks in the floor or baseboards. They are also excellent burrowers and may use abandoned rodent burrows for shelter or protection, especially when they are huge.
Cockroaches infest a wide range of human habitats, wherever food and water are available. Cockroaches can contaminate food and eating utensils, damage wallpaper, books, and fabrics, and produce an unpleasant odor. In addition, some isolated reports indicate cockroaches can be a cause of diarrhea in children.
A German cockroach is the only species of roach that is not an American species. There are about 40 species of roaches in North America, and less than 10% of them are German cockroaches.
Are German Cokroaches harmful?
German cockroaches can cause serious health problems if they infest your home or restaurant. They feed on human and pet food, as well as produce stains and odors. As a result, they can contaminate food and water sources and carry bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. They can also be a disease vector for various parasites, including the ones that cause gastroenteritis, allergies, and asthma.
One type of pneumonia called “Pneumoniae” is closely associated with German cockroaches because it is transmitted through tiny droplets in the air when an infected cockroach coughs. These droplets are challenging to see, but you can smell the pungent aroma of a German cockroach infestation.
German cockroaches spread 33 kinds of bacteria, six types of parasitic worms, and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. They can also cause staphylococcal infections and food poisoning. These insects usually contaminate our food preparing surfaces (countertops, tabletops), food items in storage areas (boxes, bags), food preparation surfaces (sinks, microwaves), and utensils (plates, silverware). Therefore, if you have a German cockroach infestation in your home or business, it is essential to take immediate action before it spread throughout your building.
How to Identify German Cockroaches
Cockroaches are external parasites that feed on decaying organic matter. They can exist in any place that provides adequate amounts of food, water, and shelter. Most cockroaches are active at night when they forage for food and water. They can pick up germs on the spines of their legs and bodies as they crawl over decaying matter or sewage and then carry these into your home on their body surfaces.
The most common source of these germs is feces, which many cockroaches eat continuously throughout the day and night. They then contaminate practically everything they contact with the bacteria that grow in their bodies and on their legs (they groom them constantly).
How to Get Rid of German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are resilient creatures that would love nothing more than to infest your home. Therefore, it is essential to know that german cockroaches are found in homes and businesses, restaurants, and hospitals. The most common signs that you have German cockroaches include:
- Seeing one or more roach animals in your kitchen.
- Seeing their droppings.
- A dusty black substance that looks like ground pepper or soot.
Below are some of the best cockroach traps that you can try:
Glue Boards
You can get this in the form of a card, flat board, or roll, and it is most effective when used with other traps. Glue boards are usually placed behind appliances or furniture where roaches like to hide. They also come in different sizes, so you can choose one that will fit your infestation problem. Some glue boards are disposable, so you can just throw them away when complete.
Combat Roach Killing Bait Strips
It uses no chemicals and is placed in areas where roaches often gather or hide. The best part about this type of trap is that it kills the cockroaches fast but leaves them intact so you can show them to others to warn them of the infestation.
Safer's Roach Tablets
It uses boric acid as an active ingredient, is odorless, and leaves no stains. Safer’s Roach Tablets can be placed inside cabinets or where roaches usually hide and move around in the dark. To ensure that there will be a fast result, place several tablets in different places.
Combat Roach Killing Gel Bait
Uses boric acid as an active ingredient and is applied where roaches hide or move around. It also contains food that will attract the roaches but cannot be consumed by humans. The gel bait can kill many cockroaches with one application, so you can expect a fast result.
Luckily, there are a few ways to prevent German cockroaches naturally!
• Seal up food sources. Put your kitchen cabinets away from the wall, so there’s no way for them to come up behind them. Keep your food in tight-lidded containers that have been eviscerated with silicon sealant or tape, or place them in the fridge or freezer. It’s also helpful to put your trash cans outside overnight, as this will eliminate any crumbs that could attract roaches.
• Get a good roach bait. There are many different kinds of bait, but they all do the same thing: attract the roaches and make them die.
• Don’t let dirty dishes stack up. Roaches will congregate in your kitchen and dine on the leftovers from last night’s spaghetti, so make sure you keep it clean. Also, don’t leave sponges or scrubbers sitting around – they will get wet and attract roaches. If you’ve got a dishwasher, use it.
• Hire a pest control professional. When you hire a pest control in Nashville, they will inspect where they would usually find the entry point of the infestation. Cockroach nests must be found because it may lead to re-infestation if not dealt with accordingly. Maintaining a clean and clutter-free home is the best way to prevent it from getting infected in the first place.