The German Cockroach is the most
common indoor species, especially in multiple-family dwellings.
Characteristics
Most cockroaches have a flattened, oval shape, spiny legs, and long,
filamentous antennae. Immature stages are smaller, have undeveloped wings and
resemble the adults.
Size: Adults are about 5/8 inch long
(17mm)
Color: Adult German cockroaches are light
brown except for the shield behind the head marked with two dark stripes, which
run lengthwise on the body. Young roaches are wingless and nearly black with a
single light stripe running down the middle of the back. Egg capsules are light
tan.
Behavior They eat food of all kinds and may
hitchhike into the house on egg cartons, soft drink cartons, sacks of potatoes
or onions, used furniture, beer cases, etc.
They prefer food preparation areas,
kitchens, and bathrooms because they favor warm (70° to 75°F), humid areas that
are close to food and water. Severe infestations may spread to other parts of
buildings. Without food or water, adults may
die in two weeks, but can live a month with only water.
Habitat
They can develop into large populations and live throughout the house,
especially in the kitchen and bathroom. During the day, these roaches may be
found hiding clustered behind baseboard molding, in cracks around cabinets,
closets or pantries, and in and under stoves, refrigerators and dishwashers.
When seen during the day in clusters, the population is large.
Life Cycle German cockroach females, unlike most other roaches, carry the egg capsule
protruding from their abdomen until the eggs are ready to hatch. The case is
then placed in a secluded location, with the nymphs emerging one to two days
later. A female may produce four to six cases during her lifetime, each
containing 30 to 40 eggs. Eggs hatch in 28 to 30 days, and nymphs develop in 40
to 125 days. Female roaches live about 200 days and males not as long. The roach
produces more eggs and has more generations per year (three to four) than other
roaches, and only a few individuals are needed to develop into troublesome
infestations.
This species reproduces the fastest of the common pest cockroaches: a single
female and her offspring can produce over 30,000 individuals in a year, but many
succumb to cannibalism and other population pressures. Egg laying occurs more
frequently during warm weather.
Problems Roaches can foul food, damage
wallpaper and books, eat glue from furniture, and produce an unpleasant odor.
Some homeowners are allergic to roaches. The pests can contaminate food with
certain bacterial diseases that result in food poisoning, dysentery, or
diarrhea.
If they are seen during the day, it is usually because their hiding places
are overcrowded due to a large population or there is a shortage of food and
water supply.
Ermones® Pest Management 
The German Cockroach is the most
common indoor species, especially in multiple-family dwellings. 