German cockroaches are the most dreaded of all roaches, and they strike fear in the heart of homeowners—or should. Early detection is key, and once you can recognize German cockroaches, you can plan out how to eliminate them.
One of the signs of a German cockroach infestation is the presence of their nymphs, which are the immature stages of the cockroach life cycle. In this article, we will explain how to identify a German cockroach nymph, what it does, how it differs from other cockroach nymphs, and what to do if you find one. We’ll help you learn how to recognize a German cockroach like a pro.
German cockroaches (Blattella germanica—Linnaeus) can be distinguished from other roaches by two dark stripes on the anterior dorsal portion (pronotum) of the thorax (just behind the head). They have two developed wings but never fly. Adults generally have a light brown color.
German roaches are some of the smaller roaches and adults are generally ½ to 5/8 inches long. Males are distinguished from females by the slender tapering shape of the abdomen. Sometimes, females will be seen with a narrow light-brown egg capsule protruding from the rear of the abdomen (butt).
Another likely sign of German roaches is their ability to climb nearly anything. They are especially adept at climbing walls and kitchen counters. Look for them in hinges of kitchen cabinets, under sinks, and inside the refrigerator compressor. They seem to love all types of electronics and can spread between rooms via electrical outlets.
Learn more facts about German cockroaches!
Learning how to recognize a German cockroach nymph (baby) is a bit more difficult. Accurate identification can be confusing because the nymphs are often gray or almost black, smaller, wingless and have only a single light stripe running down the middle of their back. The lack of distinguishing characteristics makes them look very much like other types of roaches’ nymphs.
A baby, or juvenile, German cockroach
These nymphs are very small, about an eighth inch long when they hatch, and grow up to half an inch long as adult roaches. They have six spiny legs and long antennae, but they do not have wings until they reach adulthood. They molt six to seven times before becoming adults, and each time they shed their exoskeleton, they are temporarily white in color.
The nymphs are nocturnal and hide in cracks and crevices during the day. They prefer warm, humid, and dark places, such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and appliances. They feed on a variety of organic materials, such as crumbs, grease, garbage, and even their own cast-off skins.
They are also attracted to collective pheromones, which they emit through their feces and increase aggregation within their populations. The smell of these pheromones can be a sign of infestation.
A German cockroach nymph can be distinguished from other cockroach nymphs by its size, color, and markings. Here are some examples:
Finding a German cockroach nymph is a serious indication of a potential infestation. This is because of the following:
German cockroaches are difficult to control by yourself because of their biology and behavior. Therefore, it is recommended that you hire a professional pest control service that can provide effective and safe solutions for your specific situation. Some of the methods that pest control professionals may use include the following:
German cockroaches are one of the most common and troublesome pests in homes and businesses. They can contaminate food, damage property, and spread diseases and can also pose serious economic risks. That is why it is important to prevent German cockroaches from wreaking havoc in your living space.
If you think you have German roaches at home, call Bug Zapper Pest Control today.