The German cockroach is the most common household pest in the world. They usually measure between .25 and .5" in length, but can grow to be slightly larger. Adults are a light tan to medium brown in color, with two distinct stripes running from the head to the base of the wings. While it has wings, the German cockroach is incapable of sustaining flight. Like most roaches, they are nocturnal and will eat nearly anything.

Because of their small size, incredible reproductive capabilities, and natural wariness, German roach infestations are extremely difficult to bring under control. They can live in almost any space within a home because they are so small, and will feed on anything, from food and crumbs, glue, residue from some toiletry products that contain carbohydrates, to even their own droppings and other roaches. German cockroaches produce between 20 and 50 eggs at a time; young roaches will sexually mature in 6 to 8 weeks, at which point they will begin producing eggs of their own. A female cockroach, under ideal conditions, can produce up to 400 eggs in her lifetime.

The most important step in eliminating roaches is cleanliness—if there is no food, they will not come. Make sure to keep countertops and floors clean; sweep and mop regularly, and be sure to occasionally clean behind appliances like dishwashers, ovens, and refrigerators. Do not leave unsealed foods sitting out for extended periods of time. Empty trash cans regularly, and do not keep garbage bins right next to your house. All cracks and crevices should be sealed when possible, especially those around air vents, plumbing, doorways, and windows. The application of an exterior barrier pest control treatment will also help reduce the likelihood of roaches entering your home. To eliminate existing infestations, a combination of cleaning, exterior barrier treatment, interior crack and crevice treatment, and bait application is needed, but will often take several months to succeed.

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