German Cockroach

The German cockroach is the cockroach of concern, the species that gives all other cockroaches a bad name.

The German roach is one of the most common and prominent household cockroaches in the world, and can be found throughout many human settlements in the world. These insects are particularly fond of inhabiting restaurants, food processing facilities, hotel rooms, and nursing homes. In colder climates, it is found only near human habitats, since it is not very tolerant towards the cold.

The German cockroach is originally from Asia and very common in Russia, not in Germany, and it is also very closely related to the Asian cockroach, to the extent that to the casual observer they appear nearly identical and may be mistaken for the other.

The German roach is omnivorous and a scavenger. They particularly like starch, sugary foods, grease and meats. In certain situations where there is a shortage of foodstuffs, they will even turn cannibalistic, often chewing on the wings and legs of each other or actually eat household items such as soap, glue and toothpaste. This cockroach can be seen in the day occasionally, especially if there is a large population or if they have been disturbed. However, sightings are most commonly reported in the evening hours as they are nocturnal and therefore most active at night

The nymphal stage begins with egg hatch and ends with the emergence of the adult. Nymphs are dark brown to black in color, with distinct dark parallel bands running the length of the pronotum. Nymphs do not possess wings. The number of molts required to reach the adult stage varies, but the most frequently reported number of molts is six.

The adult is 10 to 15 mm long, brown to dark brown in color with two distinct parallel bands running the length of the pronotum. The sexes can be distinguished by the following characteristics: male – body thin and slender, posterior abdomen is tapered, terminal segments of abdomen visible, not covered by tegmina (leathery outer wings); female – body stout, posterior abdomen is rounded, entire abdomen just covered by tegmina.

German cockroaches adulterate food or food products with their feces and defensive secretions, physically transport and often harbor pathogenic organisms, may cause severe allergic responses, and in extremely heavy infestations have been reported to bite humans and feed on food residues on the faces of sleeping humans. In addition, some scientists suggest that German cockroach infestations may cause human psychological stress and that the stigma associated with infestations alters human behavior. For example, people with infested houses do less entertaining, and avoid the kitchen at night for fear of encountering a cockroach.