American vs. German Cockroaches: Which Type Is Bugging You?

If you’ve spotted cockroaches in your home, you might not care what variety they are—you just want them gone. It’s easy to see why these pests give us the creeps; they spread potentially harmful bacteria and trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Although the treatment for one species won’t necessarily work for another, proper identification can help you keep your home roach-free—both now and in the future. Burns Pest Elimination provides professional cockroach control in Arizona and Nevada, and we’ll help you understand the differences between two of the most common types roaches you’ll find in your home or business: the American cockroach and the German cockroach.

 

Differences between American and German Cockroaches

The American Cockroach

This common type of roach measures 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 inches in length. An American cockroach’s body is reddish-brown in color with a yellowish tinge around the edges. American roaches have wings, so don’t be surprised if you see them buzzing around your walls and ceilings when startled. The female’s wings and abdomen are about the same length, while the male’s wings are longer than its body. Nymphs are wingless but otherwise look like adult roaches. The color of American roaches’ eggs ranges from reddish-brown to brownish-black, and they’re about 3/8 to 1/2 of an inch long. Females can lay an astonishing 800 eggs in a year.

The German Cockroach

At 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch long, this roach variety is smaller than its American counterpart—making it easier to escape notice. The German cockroach also lacks a reddish hue, with colors ranging from tan to light brown. It boasts two dark stripes down its back, and it doesn’t usually fly. The female of this variety compensates for its small size by laying up to thousands of eggs yearly. German cockroaches are the best-known indoor cockroach, wreaking havoc on bathrooms and restaurant kitchens, whereas the American cockroach lives primarily outdoors.

Getting Rid of Cockroaches

Because roaches are nocturnal insects, if you see one during the daytime, there’s a decent chance you have a large infestation on your hands. Sprays and traps are often ineffective, so call for professional cockroach control in Arizona and Nevada. Your technician will develop a strategy for thorough removal of these invaders.

Although roaches show up in some of the cleanest homes, the right habits can help prevent future infestations. Remove food and water sources, including leaky pipes, random crumbs, improperly sealed trash cans, pools of water, pet food, and cardboard boxes. Of course, this list is nowhere near exhaustive, and your pest control tech can give you specific guidance.

Don’t let cockroaches take over your space—because they gladly will! Now that you know the difference between a German cockroach and an American cockroach, get in touch with Burns Pest Elimination for effective cockroach control in Arizona and Nevada. Whether you own a home or business, request a quote today!