All About German Roaches
Roaches: The Unwelcome Houseguests
Quick Facts about German Roaches
German Roaches Identification Guide
Physical Characteristics
Roaches vary in size and color, but most species share common traits. They have flat, oval-shaped bodies, long antennae, and six spiny legs. Most species are brown or reddish-brown. German roaches are smaller, about half the size of a person’s thumb, with two distinct brown stripes on their backs. American and Oriental roaches, sometimes called “water bugs,” are much larger, often reaching up to 2 inches in length.
Common Species
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German Cockroach (Blattella germanica) – Small, light brown, found indoors.
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American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana) – Large, reddish-brown, found in basements and crawl spaces.
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Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis) – Dark brown to black, prefers damp areas.
German Roaches Behavior and Biology
Roaches are highly adaptable and thrive in a variety of environments. They reproduce quickly, with German roaches producing multiple egg cases (oothecae) in their short lifespan. These pests are nocturnal, preferring to stay hidden in dark, warm spaces during the day and foraging for food at night. Roaches are scavengers and will eat anything from crumbs to paper and glue.
How We Treat for German Roaches
Oriental and American Roaches (“Waterbugs”)
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Inspection: We check basements, crawl spaces, and moisture-prone areas for activity.
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Treatment: Combination of repellent and non-repellent insecticides applied to cracks, crevices, baseboards, and entry points.
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Moisture Control: Recommendations for dehumidifiers, fixing leaks, and sealing gaps to cut off water sources.
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Prevention: Regular maintenance treatments to keep populations under control.
German Roaches
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Pre-Treatment: Customer must clear cabinets and move clutter away from walls.
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Inspection: Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, and heavily infested areas.
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Treatment: Non-repellent insecticides and growth regulators applied to cracks and crevices.
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Monitoring: Bait stations and glue boards placed to track infestation levels.
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Follow-ups: Scheduled treatments to ensure complete elimination over time.
Common Questions about German Roaches
How do I know if I have roaches?
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If you see small droppings, egg cases, or smear marks along walls and cabinets, you likely have roaches. Seeing them during the day is a sign of a heavy infestation.
Are roaches dangerous?
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Yes. Roaches spread at least five known diseases, including salmonella and E. coli. They contaminate food and surfaces by regurgitating like flies.
Can I get rid of roaches on my own?
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Store-bought sprays and baits may kill some roaches, but infestations require professional treatment. Roaches are highly resilient and quickly develop resistance to common pesticides.
How long does it take to eliminate a roach infestation?
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German roach infestations can take several months to fully eliminate, depending on severity. American and Oriental roaches are typically easier to manage but require ongoing preventative treatments.
What should I do before a roach treatment?
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For German roach treatments, clear out cabinets, remove food sources, and declutter affected areas. For American and Oriental roaches, fixing moisture issues helps make the treatment more effective.
What products do you use?
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We use a mix of non-repellent insecticides, growth regulators, and bait stations. We've eliminated 9 of the harshest chemicals common in the industry and replaced them with better alternatives like Essentria, Alpine, Sentricon, and Borate-based solutions.
Do I need to leave my home during treatment?
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In most cases, no. However, we may recommend staying out of heavily treated areas for a few hours while treatments dry.
Will roaches come back after treatment?
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We provide free unlimited callbacks as part of our service. If roaches return between scheduled treatments, we come back at no cost until the issue is under control.
Find Local German Roache Control Services
We provide professional german roaches control throughout Virginia, Maryland, and the DC Metro area.