More Pest ID
This small but troublesome species has a reputation as being one of the most difficult to exterminate. It’s this tenacity that makes the German cockroach so common in places ranging from residential homes to restaurants. This insect thrives in dark locations with lots of food sources nearby. Their ability to feed on almost anything means they can live almost anywhere humans do.
If you’ve got roaches in your home or business and aren’t sure how you got them or what to do about them, we can help.
What is a German Cockroach?
The German cockroach is the most common species of household roach. It is native to tropical regions. Like other roaches, this pest prefers warm, humid environments and is most likely to be found in Southern states and in coastal areas.
These insects can also be found in indoor areas with food sources and little light, such as sewers, restaurants, and grocery stores. This roach is smaller than its American cousin, but this doesn’t mean that it won’t cause a hassle in your home.
Habitat
German cockroach infestations are most common in warm, humid areas with easy access to food and shelter. These bugs are most common in urban and coastal areas, like Florida. However, you can certainly find them in homes throughout Virginia.
You will find these insects hiding in various areas of your home. Roaches are expert hiders and they do everything they can to stay out of sight. They will hide inside cracks and crevices throughout your home, especially in your kitchen where there is close access to food and water. They typically live for 5-to-7 months after reaching adulthood.
Appearance
Like other types of roaches, German cockroaches have flattened bodies, multiple segments, and long, slender legs. The bodies of German cockroaches are light brown with two dark stripes on their backs. While they have wings, they rarely fly.
The antennae are long and are held parallel to the body at rest. An adult is roughly 1/2″ long, which is only half of the size of an American cockroach.
Behavior
This species of roach will forage for food when it’s available. This means that if you’re seeing signs of this roach in your home or business, it’s likely because the pests are finding plenty of food sources there.
These bugs have a preference for starchy foods, like bread. However, they’ll feed on almost anything. They will even eat paper products. Like all roaches, German cockroaches leave behind droppings that can trigger allergies and asthma attacks.
Signs that You Have a German Cockroach Infestation
If you see small bugs running around in the dark, that’s the first sign of a German cockroach infestation.
- The German cockroach is nocturnal, so it likes to feed in the dark. Because of this, you’re likely to see this roach only after the sun goes down.
- Because these pests primarily feed in the dark, you may not see any signs of feeding until you notice dead roaches lying around.
- If you see a live roach out during the day, it usually means two things. The cracks and crevices may be too full of other roaches to stay inside. There is also the possibility that food is in short supply, so they are on the hunt during the daylight hours.
- Because these bugs prefer warm, humid conditions and have no trouble thriving indoors. The scary part is that you can have an infestation without ever seeing one of the critters.
Get Rid of German Cockroach with James River Pest Solutions
The most common method for getting rid of German cockroaches is to use pesticides. However, these aren’t always effective. What’s more, pesticides should be used only as a last resort because they can be harmful to you and your family.
When you call James River Pest Solutions, we’ll come out to your house or business and inspect the living spaces to determine the extent of the infestation. If we find extensive signs of German cockroach activity, we can help you get rid of the infestation once and for all. We’ll use a combination of different approaches to get rid of the roaches.
The German cockroach is the most common species of cockroach in the world. These pests are primarily found in warmer climates, but they can also be found in most areas of the United States.
German cockroaches prefer warm, humid environments with easy access to food, water, and shelter. If you’ve got these little pests in your home or business and aren’t sure how you got them or what to do about them, call James River Pest Solutions for help.