Where did German cockroaches come from? Aren’t they supposed to live in Germany?! They probably didn’t even originate in Germany at all. It is believed that they most likely originated in Southeast Asia and then entered Europe. The Germans don’t want any association with this bug! They call it the “Drench Bug”. German cockroaches not often found in Germany because they’re obsessed with cleanliness and have lots of regulations that require clean workplaces and production facilities. However, it’s the most common cockroach found in many other places. German cockroaches are not only a nuisance, but are responsible for outbreaks of illness and transmitting pathogenic organisms as well as causing allergic reactions for many people. Along with all other cockroaches, they’ve been around for millions of years. They made their way to the United States hundreds of years ago, most likely by hitching a ride.

German Cockroach Facts; Identification & Diet

German cockroaches are considered to be one of the most successful groups of animals and because they’re so adaptable they have successfully adjusted to living with us. There are 3,500 species of cockroaches that exist in the world with 55 species found in the United States. The German cockroach is light brown to tan with two dark, parallel stripes on the shield and measure ½ to 5/8 inches long. They are active at night when they’re looking for food, water, and mates. They are scavengers that will eat just about anything. Mostly sweets, starches, grease and meat products but they will eat soap, glue, and toothpaste too! If you see them during the day, chances are you’re dealing with a heavy German cockroach infestation, there is a shortage of food and water or pesticides have been applied.

How Fast Do German Cockroaches Spread? Roach Reproduction Rate

They are the hardest cockroach species to control and are very persistent because they produce larger numbers of egg capsules and have the shortest hatching time that leads to rapid population growth. More nymphs hatch successfully because the female carries the egg capsule the entire time of development. German cockroaches are also smaller than other cockroaches and can hide more easily, making it harder to kill them. Further, they also produce odorous secretions that can affect the flavor of foods. The odors are concentrated around the area of the infestation.

German Cockroach Prevention

The best way to keep German cockroaches out of your home is to inspect items that come into your residences like used appliances, entertainment systems, computer parts, furniture, and cardboard boxes. Practice good sanitation and food storage practices. Clean up all food-related spills along with crumbs on the floor and store food items in airtight containers. Empty garbage each evening and seal off any holes in the walls where pipes come into the kitchen, bathroom and other areas. Refrain from using over-the-counter insecticides that can make the problem worse. Call the professionals. We can eliminate most of the population in just one visit.

German Cockroach Control

Thorough inspections need to be done to determine the extent of the infestation. Placement of sticky traps that are baited in strategic locations over a week with 10 or more trapping sites is often enough for effective control. Other methods of control are insecticidal sprays and dust. If do it yourself pest control attempts are done incorrectly, it may actually disperse the population of cockroaches and make the problem even worse! The last thing you want to see in your home is a German cockroach. The best thing to do is to call in a professional pest control company to deal with the problem. The longer you wait, the worse the infestation will become. Contact Rentokil today.