German Cockroaches

German Cockroach Identification & Control Guide For Jacksonville, FL Residents

German cockroaches are one of the most common indoor roaches in Jacksonville homes and businesses. They’re small, fast, and reproduce quickly, so one sighting often indicates a larger problem. If you see one, don’t assume it’s just a single roach; German cockroaches multiply fast and hide in places you can’t reach.

How to Identify German Cockroaches

Size & Shape

• About ½ inch long
• Light brown to tan
• Oval-shaped body
• Two dark parallel stripes behind the head

Is a German Cockroach the Same Thing as a Palmetto Bug?

No, they’re not the same.

“Palmetto bug” is a nickname people in Jacksonville and throughout Florida use for large outdoor roaches, especially the American cockroach(which can be 1–1.5 inches long and sometimes flies). Those roaches are common in yards, sewers, and around drains, but they usually don’t live inside homes.

German cockroaches are much smaller (about ½ inch), light brown with two dark stripes, and they prefer indoor environments like kitchens and bathrooms. German roaches also reproduce much faster and are harder to eliminate.

Why it matters: American cockroaches do not easily form large, indoor infestations. German cockroaches, on the other hand, are associated with indoor infestations that need professional treatment.

Where to Look for German Cockroaches 

German roaches are not usually seen in the open during the day. They hide in cracks and crevices and come out at night to feed.

In Jacksonville homes, they’re most commonly found:

• Under sinks and dishwashers (moisture from pipes attracts them)
• Inside cabinets (food crumbs and warmth)
• Behind refrigerators and stoves (heat + food residue)
• In wall voids and baseboards (they travel through wall gaps, especially in older homes)
• In small cracks and electrical outlets (they use wiring gaps to move undetected)

Signs You Have German Cockroaches

Even if you only see one German roach, look for these signs:

• Droppings
  Tiny dark specks that look like pepper or coffee grounds, often found in cabinets or under sinks.
• Egg casings (ootheca)
  Brown, capsule-shaped casings that female roaches carry until the eggs are ready to hatch, then deposit in cracks and crevices.
• Musty odor
  A strong, oily smell in kitchens and cabinets when infestations grow
• Smear marks
  Dark streaks along walls or baseboards, caused by roaches’ oily bodies rubbing against surfaces as they move

Why German Cockroaches Are a Serious Problem

German roaches aren’t just gross; they can pose a serious health risk to Jacksonville residents by spreading bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli. They can also trigger allergies and asthma. 

German cockroaches also multiply quickly and thrive in our year-round, warm, and humid climate. 

How German Cockroaches Get Into Homes

In Jacksonville, German roaches often enter homes and buildings multiple ways, including:

• Grocery bags and cardboard boxes
• Used appliances or furniture
• Cracks around doors and windows
• Shared walls in apartments
• Plumbing and utility openings

They can also move between units in multi-family buildings, which is why infestations spread quickly.

What to Do If You See a German Cockroach

If you spot a German cockroach, don’t ignore it; it usually means there are more hiding nearby, and because they reproduce so quickly, the problem can grow fast. DIY sprays and traps often fail because German roaches hide in tight cracks and nests that are hard to reach, so even if you kill a few, the infestation keeps going. The best step is to contact a professional pest control company right away so they can properly inspect your home, treat the hidden areas, and prevent the problem from returning.

German Cockroach Control in Jacksonville (What We Do)

At Lindsey Pest Services, we’ve been protecting homes and businesses in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1957. Our experienced technicians know exactly where German roaches hide and how to eliminate them quickly — even in severe infestations.

What makes Lindsey different:

• Our Pest-Free Guarantee, so you can feel confident that the problem is truly solved
• Same-day service is available to start treatment quickly
• Licensed and insured since 1957, with decades of local experience
• Local, woman-owned company with deep roots in the community

What we offer:

• Home pest control plans that eliminate roaches and keep them from coming back
• Commercial pest solutions for businesses that need reliable, ongoing protection

Ready to get rid of German roaches for good? Don’t wait; the longer you delay, the more the infestation can spread. Call now or schedule an inspection online today, and we’ll get you on the quickest path to a roach-free home or business.

Jacksonville German Cockroach FAQ

I only saw one roach. Does that mean I have an infestation?

Most likely, yes. German roaches reproduce quickly, so even one sighting often means there are more hiding nearby.

Why do I only see German cockroaches at night?

German roaches are nocturnal. They come out at night to feed and avoid light, which is why daytime sightings often indicate a severe infestation.

What should I do before treatment?

Lindsey Pest Services will tell you exactly what to expect and what (if anything) needs to be prepared for your home or business.

Is it true that only dirty homes get roaches?

No, and you’re not alone if this happens to you. German roaches are attracted to food and moisture, but they can still show up in clean homes. 

Do German roaches fly?

Although they have wings, they rarely use them, and when they do, it’s usually only a short glide or jump. 

How long can German roaches live without food?

German cockroaches can typically live about one to two months without food, but they don’t last nearly as long without water, about a week at most.

Get German Cockroach Help in Jacksonville Today

If you’re seeing German roaches in your Jacksonville home or business, don’t wait. Contact us today for a fast inspection and effective treatment plan.