The difference between German and American cockroaches comes down to size, color, and where they choose to live. Getting the identification right is the first step toward the correct treatment plan. Here's a closer look at each species.
Blattella germanica is the roach most homeowners find in their kitchen or bathroom. It's small, breeds fast, and rarely strays far from food and water.
Periplaneta americana is the giant of the two, often called a water bug. It prefers damp, dark spaces and tends to wander in from outside.
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Look out for dark, pepper-like droppings near cabinets or drains, an unpleasant musty odor, and small brown egg cases (oothecae) tucked into cracks. Shed skins are another giveaway, since roaches molt several times as they grow. Spotting live roaches during the day, especially German roaches and American roaches in large numbers, often points to a bigger problem than you think. If you’re seeing cockroaches, our cockroach control team can help.
Keep kitchens and bathrooms clean, store food in sealed containers, and fix leaky pipes to remove the moisture roaches need to survive. Take out the trash regularly and avoid leaving pet food out overnight. Outside, seal gaps around pipes and utility lines, and keep drains covered.
Our residential pest control plans, PestFree365 and PestFree365+, can help with year-round protection.¹
German cockroaches usually hitch a ride indoors in grocery bags, boxes, or secondhand appliances. American cockroaches typically enter through gaps around pipes, drains, or foundation cracks from outside.
Yes, both species can spread bacteria as they travel between unsanitary areas and food surfaces. Droppings, saliva, and shed skins from cockroaches can also trigger asthma and allergy symptoms, according to the US EPA, particularly in children.
German cockroaches are often trickier because they breed quickly indoors and can develop resistance to some treatments. American cockroaches are usually easier to track down, but can keep coming back from outdoors if the source isn't found.
Our technicians target indoor cockroach hotspots to break the breeding cycle and protect your home against these pests.
¹Treatments and Covered Pests defined in your Plan. Limitations apply. See Plan for details.
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