PestDex Details
German Cockroach
Blattella germanica
crawler
Most common indoor cockroach in MD/VA/DC. Small, fast, and breeds rapidly in kitchens and bathrooms.
How to Identify
- •Light brown to tan, ½ inch long
- •Two dark parallel stripes behind head
- •Wings but rarely flies
- •Fast runner, hides when lights on
Where Found
Kitchens, bathrooms, and food prep areas. Hides in cracks near warmth and moisture — behind appliances, inside cabinets, under sinks. DC rowhouses and Arlington apartments see heavy pressure.
Seasonality
Year-round indoors. Peak breeding in summer when temps rise.
Health & Property Risk
Spreads bacteria (Salmonella, E. coli) on food surfaces. Droppings and shed skins trigger asthma, especially in kids. Heavy infestations produce musty odor.
Prevention Tips
- •Seal cracks and gaps around pipes and baseboards
- •Fix leaks — they need water daily
- •Store food in sealed containers
- •Clean up crumbs and spills immediately
- •Take out trash nightly
Treatment Notes
Gel bait in cracks works best. IGRs to stop breeding. Avoid repellent sprays that scatter them. Multi-visit service typical — eggs hatch in waves.