German Cockroach

Introduction: The German cockroach is by far the most important and usually the most common of the cockroaches. In addition to being a nuisance it has been implicated in outbreaks of illness the transmission of a variety of pathogenic organisms including at least one parasitic protozoan and allergic reactions in many people. This species has worldwide distribution.

Recognition: Adults about 1/2"-5/8" (13-16mm) long. Color light brown to tan except for 2 dark almost parallel longitudinal stripes/bars/streaks on pronotal shield. Female darker than male her abdomen broader. Rarely glide or "fly."

Habits: German cockroaches are found throughout structures but show a preference for warm (70 degreeF/21 degreeC) and humid places. They are usually found in kitchens and secondarily in bathrooms but infestations often occur in rooms where people eat and drink while watching television such as the den bedroom etc. Any crack or crevice located near a source of food and/or water is prime harborage and they spend about 75 of their time in such harborages. First instar nymphs require a crack of about 1/32" (1mm) whereas adults require a crack of about 3/16" (5mm) in width.

Tagged: 6 legs, brown, crawling, straight antenna, stripes, Wings