German Cockroach Identification

What are German cockroaches?

If you spot a small, oval-shaped insect scurrying about your home, it is likely a German cockroach. Though they are winged, they don’t fly; instead, they use their six legs to run from place to place. German cockroaches are the most common roach species you'll find in Florida homes and businesses. 

German cockroaches are fairly easy to identify by their light brown color and two dark, vertical stripes that run lengthwise down their body. 

These cockroaches are scavengers and will take advantage of any space that provides them with access to food, water, and warm, damp shelter. Though German cockroaches can live outdoors in the warm Florida climate, they prefer to live inside with people and typically move from place to place by hitchhiking.

Are German cockroaches dangerous?

Having German cockroaches scurrying around your home is a danger to your health and your sanity. Knowing that cockroaches are in your home is unsettling and causes sleepless nights and days filled with stress. 

German cockroaches carry many bacteria, pathogens, and parasites on their bodies that contaminate food and surfaces as they travel throughout our homes. German cockroaches spread illnesses like dysentery, gastroenteritis, and salmonella. 

When German cockroaches live in your home, their shed skins and excrement trigger allergies, skin rashes, breathing difficulties, and asthma attacks. The odors they create are not only unpleasant but can affect the taste of the food you have stored in your home.

Why do I have a German cockroach problem?

German cockroaches do well in our homes and businesses because they offer them everything they need to thrive — plenty of dark hiding spots, access to water, and plenty of crumbs and other food. German cockroaches can become a problem anywhere but are most problematic in urban areas with dense populations and plenty of structures to invade. 

Where will I find German cockroaches?

Because they prefer to live in damp, moist places, our kitchens, bathrooms, and crawl spaces allow German cockroaches to thrive.

Some of their favorite hiding spots within our homes include:

• Cardboard boxes

• Bags

• Behind or under appliances

• Wall voids near water pipes

• Under sinks and within cupboards

• Cabinets and drawers

How do I get rid of German cockroaches?

German cockroaches are adaptable pests that have learned to live with people in our homes and businesses. Keeping these pests at bay is frustrating at best. If you ever discover German cockroaches in your West Palm Beach home, reach out to our experts at Empire Pest Defense. We will remove German cockroaches from your property and keep them out through detailed inspections, effective interior and exterior treatments, and ongoing services. 

We are committed to our community and dedicated to providing our customers with top-notch pest control services. All of our highly trained technicians are licensed, insured, and dedicated to meeting the unique pest control needs of West Palm Beach home and business owners. Reach out today and learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services and how to eliminate German cockroaches from your property once and for all!

How can I prevent German cockroaches in the future?

Avoid problems with German cockroaches with the help of the professionals at Empire Pest Defense, our effective pest control solutions, and the following practical prevention tips:

• Take care of your trash properly. Make sure trash is regularly removed from your home, place all trash bags into containers with tight-fitting lids, and have the trash picked up from your property regularly.

• Reduce excess moisture in your home by repairing leaky pipes and using dehumidifiers and air conditioners.

• Keep your kitchen and dining areas clean. Regularly vacuum, sweep, and wipe down surfaces.

• Store food in the pantry in hard-sided containers with airtight lids.

• Inspect secondhand items or deliveries for hitchhiking German cockroaches before bringing them into your home.