Getting to know the German Cockroach

What's so German about this Cockroach?

7/25/2017

Photo Credit: Kansas Department of Agriculture , Bugwood.org

Cockroaches are just about the number one nuisance when it comes to pest control. The German Cockroach is the most common cockroach to encounter in the home. These roaches are brown in color with two distinctive darker brown lines running parallel down their backs. German cockroaches stand out, and more often than not, when a customer fears an infestation, it's probably a German infestation.

Where Did They Come From?

Interestingly enough, the German Cockroach did mot originate in Germany. More than likely, this roach (like many others) originated in Southeast Asia. These roaches began to spread throughout the world as exploration and travel become more prevalent. With roaches being associated with filth and disease, the official name was probably given out of spite and meant as an insult. In reality, the only thing German about this roach is nothing at all. In Germany, this roach may be referred to as a Russian Roach or a French Roach. No matter the name, these little guys are spread world-wide and infestations can get out of hand quickly.

Why are German Cockroaches So Far Spread?

The German Cockroach is super small in relation to other roaches. These little guys don't get to be too much larger than half an inch in length. With this small size comes the ability to hide in small spaces. German cockroaches can easily stow themselves away unnoticed. These guys are amazing hitch hikers which allows them to be so far spread, and truly, a worldwide problem. With the growth of human civilization comes the growth of the German Cockroach population. German Cockroaches don't fair too well without the human race.

But I'm a Neat Nut. Surely, those Germans Won't be Found in My House

Indeed, a dirty home can definitely be a source and potential breeding ground for German cockroaches; however, filth isn't necessary. In reality, all a German Cockroach wants is water, food, and warm place to call home. What better place than in your kitchen? These roaches prefer the feeling of wood as their resting spot which is one reason your cabinets and are prime real estate. Much like Asian Cockroaches, the German Cockroach is drawn to warm areas close to a water source. When I say warmth, you should think kitchen appliance.

Toasters are an excellent food source for the beginnings of an infestation. These areas are warm, provide PLENTY of food due to overlooked crumbs, and are very often kept on counters not far from a water source. It doesn't matter just how tidy you keep your home, it doesn't take much to to make a feast for these creatures. The smallest of grease splatters can feed a handful of German Cockroaches for at least a month. While they don't require filth to make a home in your home, leaving a pizza on the counter sure makes life a little easier for them.

I've Only Seen One or Two; I Don't Have a Problem

Like most cockroaches, the German Cockroach is nocturnal. They prefer to be out and about when the sun is down and the lights are out. So, if you're seeing one or two out on the counter during the day, you can almost bet there are plenty more hiding away.

Why So Many?

German cockroaches are the fastest breeding cockroaches. One female cockroach could quickly become tens of thousands in as little as a year! I guarantee though, you're not going to find just one female chilling in your kitchen. Pregnant German Cockroaches like to huddle and stick together. German cockroaches are very protective of their egg cases (called the Ootheca ). Several species of Cockroaches secure their egg sacks to surfaces out of danger, whereas the German Cockroach goes the extra mile for safety and carries the ootheca with her until it's time to hatch.

Photo Credit: Gary Alpert, Harvard University, Bugwood.org

These females will carry their egg casings for nearly a month. Each egg sack can contain 35-50 eggs inside. When it's closer to hatching time, the female will drop the egg casing in a secure location. To insure that the ootheca isn't released too soon (resulting in the death of the eggs), the female German Cockroach will stay extremely still for a few days before it's time to hatch. In her adult lifetime (around 30-40 weeks), the German cockroach can produce 6-8 egg cases resulting in a possible 400 offspring. That's 10 new roaches EVERY week from one female. In a year, that single female could be the cause of almost half a million roach children, grand children, and great grand children!!

Okay, So I Have a German Cockroach Infestation. Can't We Just Live in Peace?

German cockroaches can single-handedly render all the food in your home as useless. As these roaches move around, they secrete a fecal material contaminating everything they touch. Guess what? This fecal matter also produces a pheromone that brings in MORE roaches. These secretions lead to allergic reactions and disease ridden bacteria covering your kitchen, bathroom, and home. In extremely bad infestations, these nasty roaches have been reported to BITE humans as well as feed off of food particles left on their faces while they sleep!! German cockroaches are nasty, vile, and disgusting creatures, but they can be stopped.

If you fear that your home may be under attack by German Cockroaches, give us a call at Champion Pest Management. We will come out, take great care of you, and return your home to its proper owners.