The German Cockroach: 10 Things to Know

German cockroaches are best identified by the two dark lines on their heads. Western Exterminator of Las VegasThere are several common types of cockroaches in the Las Vegas area, but none more prolific than the German cockroach. Not only does this roach species breed at a rapid speed, they also are capable of spreading disease and dangerous pathogens. Infestations are most common in homes, multi-family units, restaurants, schools, hotels, and more. Because they are such a troublesome pest to get rid of, it’s important to learn how to identify the German cockroach by its habits and behaviors.

The experts at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas share the top ten German cockroach facts to know.

German Cockroach Facts You Didn’t Know

Because German cockroaches are such a problem in the Las Vegas area, it’s important to understand their unique behaviors and habits to identify them by:

  1. German cockroaches are best identified by their pronotum (protective plate behind the head), which has two longitudinal dark stripes.
  2. These roaches are most commonly found in residential and commercial kitchens or bathrooms.
  3. German cockroaches typically prefer areas of high temperatures and high humidity.
  4. German roaches are almost entirely found indoors. While rare, they have been known to survive outdoors in warm weather.
  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. The ootheca (egg case) of the German cockroach contains between 35–40 eggs, which take one month to hatch.
  7. German cockroaches can carry or transmit diseases and pathogens that may be dangerous to humans.
  8. German cockroach infestations have been tied back to causing severe asthmatic reactions in some people.
  9. They are able to climb on smooth surfaces because they have a sticky pad on their feet; this sticky pad is called an arolium.
  10. German cockroaches prefer to spend their lives hidden and protected. They are known to hide inside walls, behind cabinets, inside appliances, and more.

Preventing German Cockroaches

No one wants to deal with a cockroach infestation, which is why it’s so important to learn how to prevent them in the first place! Some of the ways you can lessen the risk of a cockroach infestation include:

  • Keep all food in sealed containers, secure your garbage securely, and store pet food in sealed containers with tight-fitting lids.
  • Regularly clean your surroundings, eliminate clutter, and be wary of carrying in old items before inspecting them for German roaches.
  • Promptly address leaks or excess moisture in the home, such as standing water.

German Cockroach Extermination

If you have German roaches in your home, you’re almost certainly going to need the help of a professional exterminator to get rid of them. Without the help of a professional, roaches can spread quickly throughout your entire property. At Western Exterminator of Las Vegas, our cockroach extermination will ensure complete removal of this pesky roach.