Pest Library
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All it takes is one pest sighting to ruin the reputation you’ve worked so hard to build.
German Cockroach
Blattella germanica
These roaches are so small they can fit into even the tiniest crevice and appear out of nowhere. You may find them in food preparation areas as they are particularly fond of starch, sugary food, grease, and meats. They are the most prominent cockroaches in the world.
RISK LEVEL:
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Risk is defined as how much damage each pest can be to you, your family, or your home
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| Class: | Order: | Family: | |
| Insecta | Blattodea | Blattellidae | |
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| Size: | German cockroach adults are about 1/2-5/8 in (13-16 mm) long. |
| Color: | Light brown to tan with two almost parallel, dark longitudinal stripes, bars, or streaks on shield; female darker than male. |
| Characteristics: | The German cockroach rarely glides or "flies". Female's abdomen is broader than that of male's. |
| Geographic Range: | All over the world |
| Food: | Roaches eat all types of food, as well as things like soap, glue and toothpaste. |
| Biology: | Female carries egg capsule until within 1-2 days of hatching, and deposits it in a sheltered place. She will produce about 5 egg capsules (30-40 eggs each) in her life. Development from egg to adult varies, averaging about 3 months, but can be faster, resulting in 3-4 or more generations per year. Adults live about 3-7 months. Reproducing females are very active, but females carrying egg capsules are not, coming out for food and water only when necessary. Males hide, even at night. The last three days before molting, developing cockroaches (nymphs) stay hidden. |
- Can be found in moist or damp areas, such as crawl spaces.
- Often congregate around spilled or unsealed food.
- Roaches can be found in cracks or crevices in buildings.