10 Things to Know About the German Cockroach

German cockroaches are the most dreaded type of roach. Unfortunately, they’re the most common in households and businesses alike. German cockroach infestations spread quickly, making them difficult to control. They also have been tied back to outbreaks of illnesses and allergic reactions in many people, making an infestation dangerous.

The experts at Batzner Pest Control share the top ten German cockroach facts to know in order to prevent them in your New Berlin or Oshkosh WI area home.

German Cockroach Facts

Because German roaches are such a threat, it’s important to know how to identify them through their appearance and behaviors. The top German roach facts to know include:

1. German cockroaches can carry salmonella and other diseases.
2. German cockroach skins have been tied back to causing severe asthmatic reactions in some people.
3. A good way to identify them is the pronotum (protective plate behind the head), which has two longitudinal dark stripes.
4. The ootheca (egg case) of the German cockroach contains between 35–40 eggs, which take one month to hatch.
5. German cockroaches have an extraordinary rate of reproduction. One female cockroach and her offspring can theoretically produce hundreds of thousands of offspring a year!
6. A German cockroach takes from six weeks to six months to reach maturity.
7. German cockroaches prefer areas of high temperatures and high humidity.
8. They are able to climb on smooth surfaces because they have a sticky pad called an arolium on their feet.
9. German cockroaches prefer to spend their lives hidden and protected. Seeing a cockroach means more are hidden inside walls, behind cabinets, inside appliances, and more.
10. German cockroaches regularly spread to new areas in a serious infestation. 

How to Prevent German Cockroaches

As with all pests, the best way to protect yourself from a German cockroach infestation is to be proactive about preventing them! Always keep all food in sealed containers, secure your garbage securely, and store pet food in sealed containers with tight-fitting lids. Properly clean your space on a regular basis, eliminate clutter, and be wary of carrying in old items before inspecting them for German roaches. Check on areas in your property that are dark and rarely disturbed to ensure no pests are hiding away.

Controlling German Cockroach Infestations

As soon as you notice the start of a roach infestation, it’s best to call a professional. These roaches spread easily and quickly into other rooms in your property, making it important to receive a thorough inspection. At Batzner Pest Control, we will work to eliminate any active German cockroach infestations and prevent future ones from forming.