10 Facts You Should Know About German Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a fact of life in the Sevierville TN area. If you own a property, it’s important to know about the threats of a German cockroach infestation. Not only are these roaches gross, they also carry potentially dangerous pathogens and diseases. German roaches are common invaders of homes, schools, restaurants, food processing facilities, hotels, and more, making them a constant threat.

In this article, the experts at Johnson Pest Control share the most important facts you should know about German cockroaches—keep reading to learn more!

German Cockroach Behaviors & Identification

If you are dealing with a cockroach infestation, there’s a big chance you’re dealing with German cockroaches. Some of the top facts to know about German cockroaches include:

1. German cockroaches can carry salmonella and other diseases.
2. German roaches can be identified by their pronotum (protective plate behind the head), which has two longitudinal dark stripes.
3. The ootheca (egg case) of the German cockroach contains between 35–40 eggs, which take one month to hatch.
4. German cockroaches have an extraordinary rate of reproduction. One female cockroach and her offspring can theoretically produce hundreds of thousands of offspring a year!
5. A German cockroach takes from six weeks to six months to reach maturity.
6. German cockroaches prefer areas of high temperatures and high humidity.
7. They are able to climb on smooth surfaces because they have a sticky pad on their feet; this sticky pad is called an arolium.
8. German cockroaches prefer to spend their lives hidden and protected. Roaches typically can be found hidden inside walls, behind cabinets, inside appliances, and more.
9. These cockroaches regularly spread to new areas in a serious infestation.
10. German cockroach skins have been tied back to causing severe asthmatic reactions in some people.

What to do About German Cockroaches

If you want to avoid dealing with a German cockroach infestation, it’s essential to learn how to prevent them in the first place. In addition to regular treatments and inspections from our team, there are a number of ways you can lessen the risk of getting a German cockroach infestation in your property. Keep all food in sealed containers and secure your garbage cans securely. Also regularly clean your surroundings, eliminate clutter, and be wary of carrying in old items before inspecting them for German roaches. Most importantly, routinely check on areas in your property that are dark or rarely disturbed for evidence of cockroach activity.

Extermination for German Cockroaches

If you have German cockroaches, you’re going to need the help of a professional pest control company to get rid of them. At Johnson Pest Control, our cockroach removal experts will implement the most effective cockroach extermination treatments. Our goal is to keep your property free of roaches all year long with our industry-leading cockroach control methods.