Cockroaches are pests that can vary significantly in size and color. Some cockroaches can even fly. The German and American cockroaches are 2 of the most common that can be found.
To know which one you are dealing with, you must first know the difference between the two so that you can identify them. Knowing the type of cockroach, you can find the best treatment to safely and correctly eliminate them.
Below you can find all the information you need so that you can differentiate them.
What Are American Cockroaches?
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American cockroaches are also known as insects or palmetto bugs; they can also be called water bugs. This type of cockroach is large and can often fly. American cockroaches enter your home to seek heat, water, or food.
These cockroaches are reddish-brown and also have a margin on the body that is yellowish. They are between 1.5 and 2 inches long and are considered the largest cockroaches in the United States.
American cockroaches generally live in damp, dark areas such as storm drains, sewers, steam tunnels, tree holes, and outdoors in gardens or patios. They always look for warm, humid, and dark environments in homes such as basements, gaps in the walls, attics, utility rooms, etc.
They feed on organic matter that is decomposing; they can also eat other varieties of foods. Generally, you will not see these roaches in your homes, although they can enter the colder months. They will always look for warmer temperatures and food. You may see them flying because they have wings.
The wings of the male can extend beyond the tip of the abdomen. The wings of the females are the same length as their abdomen. The nymphs of the American cockroaches are similar to the adults but smaller, and these do not have wings.
To get rid of American roaches, you will need adular baits in different areas and tight spaces. You can also use dust in the attic and low spaces. In the market, you can find perimeter spray and other perimeter granular bait treatments.
American cockroaches’ egg capsules are dark reddish to blackish brown and are approximately 3/8″ to ½” long.
What Are German Cockroaches?
German cockroaches are one of the most common and annoying pests. They are common in residential structures like apartments or houses. They can thrive on dirt, but they can invade even the cleanest homes. All homes are at risk of infestation by these hated pests.
They are brown to tan in color with two longitudinal stripes running across the German cockroach’s entire chest. They can be 1/2 to 5/8 inches long and live in any space where humans can build warm spaces. They have six legs and a pair of antennae. They have wings and are well-formed but do not fly.
Generally, German cockroaches can live in the kitchen, behind or under appliances, crevices, cracks, behind back bars, behind cabinets, on counter edges, in plumbing areas, in drawers, etc.
These pests will infest the hottest areas, such as the motors of appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators. The risks of these cockroaches are that they can invade your house and leave the test everywhere. You will be able to see fecal matter or other debris in the kitchen areas where they pass.
They can reproduce at a very high rate; they can complete their life cycle between 30 and 40 days. They can produce between 30 and 48 eggs at a time. When an infestation of these cockroaches occurs, it isn’t easy to eliminate them.
If you want to get rid of them, you must use baits, sprays, or aerosol products. German cockroaches will spread the bait everywhere they go when they have ingested it. When they die in the place of refuge, these cockroaches are cannibalized by other cockroaches, which will also cause death.
The sprays must be applied by the surfaces where they crawl to go to their shelter. When you spray these products in crevices or holes, you will force the roaches out of those places. When they come out, you should spray them with these sprays directly on them.
If the infestation is already very large, you should seek a professional’s help so that you can eliminate this pest quickly.
Problems Caused by Cockroaches
The German vs. American cockroaches are both pests that are very annoying and unpleasant. There are many differences in their appearance between the two, but both can cause very similar problems.
They are pests that spend the most time in sewers, drains, and other unsanitary places such as garbage cans; they can accumulate many bacteria in your body. Both American cockroaches and German cockroaches can transfer germs to a surface or object just by walking on them.
Cockroach fluids can produce a slight odor that can be noticeable and characteristic. If there are a large number of these roaches, the smell can be overwhelming. When they feed, they can also contaminate all the pantry items and transmit diseases to people.
You can prevent these pesky cockroaches from becoming a problem by regularly cleaning your home. You should clean and vacuum all crumbs and sanitize sinks and surfaces to avoid illness. The German and American cockroach is best to call the specialists if you find one of these.
What Are Differences Between American Cockroaches And German Cockroaches?
If you want to get rid of these pesky pests, the first thing to do is identify them. This way, you can have better control and know the treatments to use. Some several aspects or characteristics can help you distinguish or differentiate an American cockroach from a German cockroach.
Size
American cockroaches are the largest species; they can be 1½ to 2 inches long. German cockroaches are smaller and can be half an inch long.
Appearance
American cockroaches are reddish-brown and have a pale yellow-edged thorax. At the same time, German cockroaches have a tan color and parallel dark lines running from their head to their wings’ ends.
Location
Both roaches seek heat and humidity, but German roaches generally prefer to be in kitchens and bathrooms. Instead, American cockroaches can be found in basements, drains, attics, and crawl spaces.
Frequency
The German and American cockroach has differences that are too distinctive for you to tell them apart. The German spice is the most common cockroach of the two; you may have an infestation of German cockroaches than American cockroaches.
You must do constant cleaning so that you can prevent the appearance of cockroaches in your home. Clean under kitchen appliances and move all objects.
