The German cockroach is the most common household roach pest. They are usually found in kitchens, and bathrooms, but can be in any portion of a heated structure, but especially near food preparation areas. A nocturnal insect, German cockroaches remain hidden in dark secluded harborage during the daylight hours. If you see some during the day, it is a sure sign that a tremendous population exists. Cockroaches are scavengers with a wide choice of food. They thrive on the same food humans eat and pollute human food in process of feeding. Cockroaches carry disease organisms on the loins and bristles on its body, as well as the sticky pads on its feet.

Roaches defecate on food and transmit staphylococcus, streptococcus and E Coli Unlike most other roaches, they are very small-with a body length of only ½ inch. They are a light brown or tan color, with the female being darker than the male.

The female produces 4-8 egg capsules in her lifetime. Each capsule contains about 30-40 eggs. She carries the capsule until just before the eggs are ready to hatch. This usually takes 28-30 days. Nymphs go through 6-7 instars before becoming adults. The German cockroach population can grow at least 3-4 generations each year, and can complete the life cycle in as few as six weeks, but the average is 14-15 weeks. Adults will live up to ten months.