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How to Tell if You Have a German Roach Infestation

You open your kitchen cabinets to grab a plate. When you do, a few roaches scurry out and go running across your counter. Now you’re both grossed out and concerned.

The common German roach poses quite a few health risks. They can trigger asthma and they leave bacteria in their wake that can spread to the food you eat. So, you’ve got to figure out if you have an infestation and do something about it.   

Luckily, we know what these pests look like and can identify them for you. Keep reading as we take you through all the ins and outs of a German cockroach infestation. 

What Does a German Roach Look Like?  


To identify a German cockroach, it’s important to know what it looks like. All the adults are light brown. You’ll notice two black lines behind their head.  

Baby roaches look a little different. They’re a lot darker (almost black). Like the adults, they have black stripes behind their heads but, it might be harder for you to see them. They can grow to be about 16 mm in length.  

Roach Droppings 


Even though cockroaches are tiny little creatures, they leave behind noticeable droppings. You’ll see small black specks in areas like on top of a door, in cracks and crevices, and in the very corner of the room.  

You may also notice dark smears and stains in areas where the roaches have done their business.  

Egg Capsules 


Female cockroaches carry their egg cases around with them for a few days after emptying the eggs. So, you may find little egg cases laying around your home.   

Horrible Smell  


German roaches can give off a pretty strong odor. You may not be able to notice it unless there are a lot of them in one place. If you have a nest on your hands, an almost musty smell might waft through your home.  

You’ve Found a single Roach  


Finding a single roach in your home could mean that you have an infestation. Usually, where there is one, there are many.  

You’ll have to hunt around to find the nest. We’ll tell you that they enjoy dark, humid areas. One popular place for them to nest is under or behind the fridge.  

Roaches are nocturnal creatures. They wait until night to come out and look for food. If you see one during the day, that means you have a serious roach infestation on your hands.  

Identify Your Roach Infestation and Get it Taken Care of  


If you notice a German roach in your home, you might have a serious infestation. Since roaches pose a health threat, you need to get rid of them ASAP.  

If you have a large nest, the only way you can get rid of it is to call in a professional exterminator. Contact us to request a service and take your home back from pests.

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