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Pest Library
Size & Characteristics: |
German cockroach adults are about 1/2-5/8 in (13-16
mm) long. The German cockroach rarely glides or "flies".
Female's abdomen is broader than that of male's. |
Color: |
Light brown to tan with two almost parallel, dark longitudinal stripes,
bars, or streaks on shield; female darker than male. |
Geographic Range: |
All over the world |
Comparison with other species: |
Asian cockroach: similar color pattern, but flies readily, breeds
outdoors in leaf litter, known in Florida. Brownbanded and Pennsylvania
cockroaches: lack 2 dark longitudinal stripes. Field cockroach: dark
line between eyes on front of head. Others: smaller or larger, lack
stripes, and/or not in structures. |
Habitat: |
German cockroaches may live throughout a building, but especially
in warm and humid places, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms
and dens where people eat casually. They spend about 75% of their
time hidden away in cracks and crevices. Smallest nymphs only need
about a millimeter of space, while adults need about 5 mm. |
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. |
Invasion: |
They come inside with paper products and packaging, and used appliances.
In summer they may move from one building to another. They can survive
outdoors if it is warm, although this is uncommon. |
Damage: |
German cockroaches are the most common, and have the most impact
as a nuisance. They may transmit disease organisms, and cause allergic
reactions in some people. |
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