German vs American cockroaches: What’s the difference?

The American Cockroach

Size matters and this is especially true when you consider roaches. The American variety is significantly larger than the German one and is often mistaken for a water bug. In southern states like South Carolina, they’re often confused with the Palmetto bug, a totally different variety.

It doesn’t matter what you choose to call them, as when they get inside your home, you’ll find them very intimidating. These bugs are very creative and leave a large footprint within your abode, which makes their presence even more of a nuisance.

Appearance

It’s easy to confuse this roach with other bugs as they have similar characteristics. Thankfully, some differences make it easier to distinguish. First, you must consider their massive size. These roaches can get up to two inches in length, but most of these insects average between one and two inches.

Shockingly, some on record exceed three inches, though it’s rare to find one this size. The American cockroach has prickly hairs on its body and the standard six legs. The two antennae on top of their head are very thin compared to other roaches.

They typically come in reddish-brown hues, one area where they significantly differ from the dark, nearly black German variety. In daylight, it’s easy to see the rusty hues with ease. Another differentiating factor is a faded yellow area that runs along the thorax, which the German roach doesn’t have on them.

Examining the wings will show that this roach can fly with ease. Their long, fully functional wings can startle you as they loft around your home. If you look closely at the wings, you’ll see that they’re about as long as the abdomen area on the female.

The males’ wings will go beyond the abdomen area and extend out a bit. The younger roaches, or nymphs as they’re called, don’t have the wing definition yet, but they still look much like the adult versions.

Environmental Habitat

When the American roach invades your home, it will reside in areas where it’s warm and moist. They thrive in temperatures between 70-80 degrees. While we find them common pests in New Jersey, they’re also prevalent in the country’s southern region.

In nature, it’s common for them to gather in areas with decaying matter. If you have trees with hollow areas from rot or wood piles, they often linger in those areas. Additionally, areas of plant waste are also hot spots.

Those living in wooded areas with trees that create a canopy that the sun can’t get through will find more American roaches in this setting. They love dark and humid spots as this is where they’re most comfortable.

Invading Your Space

Climate shifts considerably impact roaches. If they can’t find food outside, they will turn their attention towards any other location where there’s nourishment. They’re attracted to homes that have dark and humid regions, like a crawl space or basement.

However, you can’t rule out them hanging around drains and where your pipes are, either. They will use your storm or sewer system to get into your home, and once they set up camp, it’s challenging to get them to leave. Once they find an entrance, they will move about the house.

They like to find voids, where they can stay out of the way during the day and forage for food at night, so behind your walls is perfect. Many people find that the roaches move into their homes because of a water leak they didn’t know they had inside. The water gives them something to drink and helps create that moist environment they love.

Getting Rid of Them

It would be nice if it was as easy as buying bug spray and removing the American cockroach. No roach is easy to eradicate, but the battle is often challenging since this variety is massive, and they tend to be great escape artists. Their goal is to stay out of your way, and they will hide in places where you don’t typically go.

So, you’re not likely to look behind your walls, and they find comfort in going into those spaces. It’s commonplace for the roach population to become extreme before realizing you have a problem. You must find and access these pests before getting rid of the infestation.

They often hide right under your nose, making it much more challenging. Bait traps seem to work best, as they can take the toxins back and destroy the whole colony. Sprays often get just a few of the ones you see, but there are so many more hiding you don’t see in your home.

Baits are slow acting, giving them enough time to reach where the rest of the colony is hanging out. Sprays do have their place, especially around the perimeters of your home, as they can keep them from coming inside. However, they won’t take care of a problem once it’s already to the level of an infestation.

The German Cockroach

Another very common roach that we see a lot of in the Garden State is the German variety cockroach. It’s probably more prevalent in this area than the American roach. The relative fearlessness of this species and its ability to adapt to many environments is partly to blame for its prevalence.

While the American roach prefers to stay out of sight and away from humans, the German cockroach is more daring. They don’t mind if you’ve encountered them, as they don’t have the level of fear that other species do. It’s easy to tell the German roach from the American, as the appearance is very different.

Appearance

First, you’ll notice the massive size difference. Whereas an American roach can grow up to three inches, the German is only about a half-inch in length. While some might be larger or smaller than this, this is the typical size.

Their bodies are oval with six legs, and their hue is a dark chocolate brown mixed with specs of lighter shades. One interesting detail on their body is the parallel lines of more golden brown that give them a contrast down their backs. The shade variations will go from their head to their wings.

Unlike the American roach, the German variety can’t fly. They have wings that are prominent but nonfunctional. Since the wings are more for design and not much use to them, they tend to take on a waxy finish.

Environmental Habitat

The German cockroach is more adaptable than the American roach, which craves moisture and humidity. Since they can thrive in so many environments, it’s easy to see why they’re such pests. They’re not just a problem here in the Northeast; the southern states also have significant issues with the German bugs.

The warm and humid habitat is ideal for them, but they don’t like it to get above 70-75 degrees. Remember, they’re adaptable, so while this might be their perfect climate, they can survive due to their resilient nature even in the harshest weather. Human dwellings provide them with a place to live that can withstand the elements.

So, if you have heat and air conditioning inside, they don’t care what’s happening outside. Did you know that scientists have identified this species to be found living in the farthest north area of Canada called Nunavut? Even people can’t thrive in those climates, but these roaches can make it. They find a place to lodge where there are heat-producing buildings.

Invading Your Space

Human-built structures, like your home, are more likely to have an issue with German roaches over the American species. As long as your home is safe and warm, and there’s access to food, they’ll stay until you kick them out. This variety loves to be close to where you are, as the warmth is necessary.

Unlike the American roaches who swirl the drains and harbor in your basement, the German ones are more likely to be seen by the inhabitants of your home. They still like to stay out of sight as much as possible as they’re roaches, and it’s their nature, but they live a bit more in the open than the American variety. Where can you find these roaches hiding in your home?

Try looking behind kitchen cabinets, cracks in your tiles, or drawer wells. They also like to go underneath appliances for security. Anything with a motor, like a dryer, washer, or refrigerator, produces heat. That residual heat attracts them and gives them a toasty place to rest.

Getting Rid of Them

It’s a monumental challenge to eradicate this pest. They have very different durability levels, as they can adapt quickly to a new lifestyle. What’s scary is that they can lay hundreds of eggs fast, so the problem can worsen overnight.

Sprays that can penetrate under the appliances and behind their easy-to-access locations are helpful, but you’ll also need the bait to get to the areas where the sprays cannot reach. Using whole-house extermination products in homes overpowered by these bugs is also beneficial. Not only will they kill the live bugs, but they can also help to eliminate eggs and stop nymphs.

Which is the Worst Roach to Have in Your Home?

If you have a choice between these two pests invading your home, neither has any shining qualities. Roaches are dirty and love filth, so they crawl in places and attract bacteria that you don’t want in your space. They can transfer parasites and pathogens that can cause you and your family disease.

The diseases they spread have a great chance of making you sick. When you have a significant infestation, the likelihood of sickness increases; if this isn’t enough, you’ll likely find dead bugs, and they will dry out and leave their exoskeletons behind.

Then, there’s the fecal matter or poop pellets they string all over your house. All these things can cause your allergies to flare. You don’t want either roach in your home. If you chose the lesser of the two evils, it would be the American variety.

The German roach tends to get out of hand faster due to its adaptability and skill for multiplying quickly. They don’t mind living closer to you, so your chances of encountering them and the disease they leave behind are increased. These fearless pests walk around your food and dishes and even go into your refrigerators.

They leave a trail of fecal matter wherever they go, potentially making you sick. Children and older adults are more susceptible to their droppings, and your abode can become an allergen-filled nightmare.

Don’t Fight the Battle Alone

When considering American vs. German roaches, it’s often challenging for someone who doesn’t deal with them daily to figure it out. Having the help of a professional with ample experience in cockroaches and their different species is undoubtedly helpful. Knowing the pest you’re fighting, their feeding and nesting habits, and having the tools to battle them puts the odds in your favor. If you have a problem with roaches, call us today for immediate help!

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