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Blattella germanica

German Cockroach

Blattella germanica

These roaches are so small they can fit into even the tiniest crevice and appear out of nowhere. Do not be surprised to find one of these roaches in your kitchen. They are particularly fond of starch, sugary food, grease, and meats. They are the most prominent household 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
German Cockroach
  • 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.
Class: Order: Family:
Insecta Blattodea Blattellidae
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.
Blattella germanica