German Cockroaches

German cockroach on white surface.

Color: Light brown to tan, usually with two almost parallel dark stripes on their shield.

Characteristics: Female roaches are darker than the male, with a broader abdomen.

Size: Approximately 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch long.

Potentially dangerous: Yes

What is a German cockroach?

German cockroaches are the one of the most common house-infesting species of cockroach in our region. In structures, they look for warm, humid areas that are close to sources of food. German cockroaches are light brown to tan in color and have two distinctive dark stripes on their backs located just behind their heads. They are oval in shape and adults grow to be ½ to 5/8th of an inch in length. Although they do have wings, they rarely use them to fly.

Why do I have them?

German cockroaches have a widely varied diet. Their diet can include such things as:

  • Soap
  • Glue
  • Toothpaste
  • Garbage
  • Human or pet food

German cockroaches can be found in garbage and sewers but they do come into homes through cracks and crevices while searching for food. The most common way that they enter into your home is in packages, boxes, and second-hand appliances.

Are they dangerous?

Yes, German cockroaches are extremely dangerous to have living and breeding in your home. Before coming in, they were crawling through sewers, garbage, and excrement. Once inside your home the bacteria that are on their bodies and legs will be transferred to food and other surfaces. Cockroaches can transmit Salmonella and other bacteria that can cause vomiting, fever, and diarrhea. As they travel through your home they leave behind their excrement and shed skins which can trigger asthma attacks in some people, especially young children.

How do I get rid of German cockroaches?

Getting rid of German cockroaches can be extremely difficult mainly because they breed very quickly, hide in dark, hard to reach areas of your home, and move very fast. The best way to safely and quickly get rid of an infestation is to contact a pest control professional. At Wil-Kil Pest Control we offer pest control services that will get rid of your cockroach problem.

Can I do it myself?

Cockroach infestations seem to spread like wildfires so we certainly recommend professional treatment for these pests. DIY roach treatments tend to target foraging cockroaches, they don’t address the root of the problem.

How soon can you get here?

Our customers are our top priority. Your Wil-Kil technician is 100% committed to helping you as soon as possible.

How can I prevent this in the future?

German cockroaches can be difficult to prevent but there are some things that you can do around your home to help prevent them from showing up. German cockroach prevention tips include:

  • Storing trash in sealed containers away from the exterior of your home
  • Inspecting mail and other packages before bringing them into your home
  • Make sure to clean up spills and crumbs on floors, in cabinets, and appliances as quickly as possible.

If cockroaches have infested your property, contact Wil-Kil Pest Control as fast as possible to rid yourself of these pests.

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German Cockroaches in Sun Prairie, WI

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