10 Facts About German Cockroaches

The German Cockroach (Blattella germanica) is a small, 1/2 to 5/8 inch long cockroach that is sneaky and seriously hard to get rid of on your own. They can spread disease, cause dangerous electronic malfunctioning, and even cause restaurants to be shut if left uncontrolled. If you see one, chances are there’s more! Here are 10 facts about German cockroaches you should know:

1. They’re the Most Common Indoor Roach in the U.S.

   German cockroaches love warm, humid places, especially kitchens and bathrooms. They easily infest homes by hitchhiking on people, food, and almost any item in a home. If you have roaches in Kentucky, there’s a 95% chance it’s a German cockroach infestation, and it likely started in the kitchen!

2. They Multiply Fast

   One female can produce up to 30,000 offspring in a year. Infestations can explode in weeks. That means if one female is brought into your home, you may end up with a bad infestation!

3. They Don’t Need Much to Survive

   Crumbs, grease, cardboard, even toothpaste, they’ll eat almost anything. This gives them the unique advantage of being able to survive in some of the cleanest environments. So, just because you are clean, doesn’t mean you can’t get roaches!

4. They’re Mostly Nocturnal

   German Cockroaches usually come out at night to feed (when all the lights are off). If you’re seeing them during the day, the infestation is likely severe.

5. They Spread Germs and Allergens

   German roaches can carry bacteria like Salmonella and trigger asthma and allergies, especially in kids. Roaches will crawl across food, dishes, cups, silverware, counters, and anything else in your kitchen, spreading their germs, feces, and any diseases they may carry!

6. They’re Masters at Hiding

   They squeeze into cracks, behind appliances, under the sink, and anywhere dark and tight. They love appliances, cabinets, trim work, water heaters, and more.

7. They Can Become Resistant to Sprays

   DIY control usually leads to insecticide-resistant populations. Even many pest control companies cause resistance in roaches by failing to properly treat. Once resistant, the population will require strategic control efforts that only select professionals like Four Seasons Pest Solutions will successfully accomplish. If you attempt DIY control, you’ll need some tips!

8. They Don’t Live Outside

   Unlike some other roaches, German roaches are indoor pests; they rely on humans for survival. If you see them outside a home, infestations are likely very extreme, and the roaches are searching for new territory (typically seen in cities or trailer parks where buildings are very close together.)

9. Cleanliness Helps, but Isn’t Everything

   Even spotless homes can get infested. Clutter and hidden moisture are bigger culprits. In clean homes, infestations can survive but may have a much more difficult time expanding. So, keeping your home clean does have advantages!

10. Professional Help Is Almost Always Needed

    Because of their fast breeding and pesticide resistance, infestations usually require a professional exterminator like Four Seasons Pest Solutions. Our programs are guaranteed, and we offer long-term warranties!

If you or someone you know is experiencing cockroach problems, we’re here to educate you and take care of your infestation when you’re ready to get started. You don’t have to live with pests, and Four Seasons will make sure you don’t!

Come see why everybody says, “It’s good to have Four Seasons on your side!”