German cockroaches in Florida homes

The German cockroach is the most important cockroach pest in the United States, and the one most likely to infest a Florida kitchen. Adults are about ½ to ⅝ inch long and tan, with two dark parallel stripes running the length of the body that are most distinct on the pronotum, the shield just behind the head. They have wings but don’t fly.

How German cockroaches get inside

German cockroaches can’t survive outdoors. They’re carried in: in grocery bags, cardboard boxes, moving boxes, secondhand furniture, used appliances and electronics. In apartments and condos, they can also spread between units through shared walls.

Signs of German cockroaches

• Small roaches in kitchens and bathrooms, especially at night
• Pepper-like droppings in cabinets, drawers and behind appliances
• A musty odor in heavy infestations
• Seeing them in daylight, which usually means a large population

German cockroach or Asian cockroach?

The Asian cockroach looks almost identical but lives outdoors in lawns and leaf litter and is attracted to lights, often flying toward porch lights at dusk. German cockroaches stay indoors and don’t fly.

Prevention

1. Check boxes, bags and secondhand items before bringing them inside.
2. Store food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs and grease.
3. Fix leaks and dry out sinks overnight.
4. Don’t store cardboard under sinks or in kitchens.

How DNR gets rid of German cockroaches

German roaches breed fast, so store-bought sprays rarely solve the problem. We place targeted gel baits and treatments in the cracks and voids where they hide, then follow up until the population is gone. Call 727-594-0404 or book a free consult.

Related pest spotlights: Palmetto Bugs vs. Cockroaches and American Cockroaches.

FAQ

Why do I have roaches in a clean house? Cleanliness usually has no bearing on how German roaches got in: they arrive as hitchhikers in bags, boxes and used items. But it has a major impact on how quickly we can get rid of them, because crumbs, grease and clutter give them food and places to hide.

Can German cockroaches fly? No. Adults have wings but don’t fly.

Can German roaches live outside? No. They need the warmth, food and water of indoor spaces.

Source: University of Florida/IFAS, German cockroach. Reviewed by Ricky Williams, Certified Operator in Charge.