German Cockroach
Category Cockroaches
Actual Size: 1/2 to 5/8″
Characteristics: Pale brown with two dark longitudinal stripes behind the head.
Legs: 6
Antennae: Yes
Wings: Yes, but rarely fly.
Habitat: Prefer humid, warm areas. Often found in residential and commercial kitchens as well as bathrooms. Usually in areas where people eat and drink.
Habits:
- Males and females have wings but do not fly.
- Reproduce quickly and can live in big colonies.
- Completely dependent on human habitats for survival.
German Cockroaches in Florida
The German cockroach is found worldwide and is the most prevalent species in and around homes, apartments, food processing plants, restaurants, and supermarkets. It is also common for ships such as naval vessels and cruise ships to experience heavy infestation. They gravitate towards warm and humid environments, so when they are found in structures, they are usually in kitchens or bathrooms. Larger infestations will cause the cockroaches to spread to other parts of the building. They are the fastest reproducing pest cockroach, with a single female capable of producing 30,000 offspring in a year.
German Cockroach Habitat
German cockroaches are primarily found in areas where daily water is available, such as bathrooms and kitchens. The German cockroach is capable of expanding their more natural habitat, as long as shelter, water, and food are accessible. These cockroaches have a preference for paper and wooden materials, as well as electrical equipment. They are commonly found in cabinets, under sinks, in drawers, and inside heat-producing appliances like coffee makers, microwaves, and dishwashers.
German Cockroach Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
While German cockroaches are not known to bite, they are extreme vectors of disease. They commonly bring germs and bacteria to areas they inhabit, making everything they touch a source of disease. They can also cause allergic reactions with their fecal matter and case skins left behind. These reactions include watery eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, skin rashes, and asthma. Beyond physical reactions, cockroaches also bring human psychological stress. There is a known social stigma with having cockroaches in the home. Homeowners who have a cockroach problem will alter their behavior by avoiding kitchen and bathroom areas and entertaining guests less often.
A German cockroach infestation can get out of hand quickly due to their rapid reproduction rates. Any cockroach infestation should be addressed by a professional exterminator.