german cockroach on wall

What do German cockroaches look like?

A small species of cockroaches, German cockroaches, are common inside homes and businesses. This is partly due to their ability to squeeze their bodies through and into the smallest of spaces. These roaches have a tannish-brown body with two dark parallel lines between the head and thorax. Adults grow between 1/2 and 5/8th of an inch in length.
 
Their dark color pattern helps to keep them out of sight of people. German cockroaches have wings, but they do not fly; instead, they use their six legs to scurry quickly from place to place.
 
If you have ever come into your kitchen, turned on the light, and witnessed insects scurrying back into the dark recesses of your countertop, you most likely are dealing with a German cockroach infestation.

german cockroach on salt
 

When are German cockroaches most active?

German cockroaches are nocturnal and spend most of the day hiding in tight cracks and crevices out of sight.

Emerging at night to forage for food, cockroaches are most active when we are sleeping. This is why it can take some time for Jacksonville homeowners to notice an infestation. If you see German cockroaches crawling throughout your home during the day, it means a large infestation is present.

Knowing where German cockroaches like to hide helps identify an infestation sooner rather than later. The following places are likely harborage areas for these roaches:

  • Cardboard boxes

  • Dark, cluttered storage areas

  • Backs of cabinets and drawers

  • Behind large appliances

  • Behind wall voids, especially near water pipes

Are German cockroaches dangerous?

German cockroaches are invasive, destructive, dangerous pests. While they want to live with us and utilize the food and shelter our homes provide them, we need to do everything we can to keep them out of our homes and businesses. Infestations of German cockroaches create the following risk factors:

  • German cockroaches contaminate food and surfaces with dangerous bacteria and disease.

    These pests chew on and stain with excrement fabrics, walls, floors, and more.

  • German cockroaches breed quickly and live together in large numbers, making them a tricky pest to get rid of.

  • Their presence triggers allergic reactions and asthma attacks in those who are susceptible.

How do I get rid of German cockroaches?

German cockroaches quickly adapt to any environment. They thrive pretty much anywhere they take up residence. This adaptability makes it challenging to control these pests. It is always recommended that you call an experienced pest control company to get rid of cockroaches.

At Lindsey Pest Services, we’ve provided effective roach control since 1957 and use several techniques and tools to eliminate these pests. To learn more about eliminating German cockroaches through our residential or commercial pest control services, reach out today!

Helpful German Cockroach Articles

Jacksonville's Complete Guide To Effective German Cockroach Control

 
 

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