How to Get Rid of German Cockroaches

Confirm you have German cockroaches

Before you treat anything, make sure you are really dealing with German cockroaches. Adults measure 12–15 mm (up to about 0.59 in) and are usually tan and brown. Look for these features:

• Light tan to brown body about half an inch long
• Two dark parallel stripes behind the head
• Hides near warm appliances, sinks and cabinet hinges

They are most often confused with brown-banded cockroach and American cockroach. See the full German cockroach profile for side-by-side details.

Why you have German cockroaches

German Cockroaches come indoors looking for food, water, warmth or shelter. Gaps around doors, windows, pipes and utility lines give them easy ways in. Clutter, leaks and food left out let a small problem grow into an infestation. They are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter, so expect to see more of them then.

When you'll see German cockroaches

German Cockroaches are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings. In winter, activity continues mainly indoors in heated spaces.

Typical places to check: kitchen and bathroom.

Step-by-step: getting rid of German cockroaches

Step 1: Clean up grease

Clean up grease and crumbs and fix dripping faucets. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.

Step 2: Apply gel baits in cracks near food

Apply gel baits in cracks near food and water sources. Repeat this for at least two to three weeks, since eggs and hidden insects keep appearing for a while.

Step 3: Call a professional for heavy or apartment-wide infestations

Call a professional for heavy or apartment-wide infestations. Combine this with the other steps rather than relying on it alone.

Natural and low-toxicity options

These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:

• Vacuum insects and egg cases, then empty the canister outdoors right away.
• Wipe surfaces with soapy water to remove scent trails and residue.
• Place sticky traps to find out where activity is highest.
• Run a dehumidifier where damp areas attract them.

If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.

When to call a professional

Call a licensed pest control company if you still see German cockroaches after three to four weeks of steady effort, if they are spreading to several rooms, or if you share walls with neighbors who have the same problem.

How to keep German cockroaches from coming back

• Seal cracks and gaps with caulk and install door sweeps.
• Store food in sealed containers and take out trash often.
• Fix leaky pipes and faucets and keep basements dry.
• Trim shrubs and branches so they don't touch the house.
• Keep firewood, mulch and debris away from the foundation.

Safety notes

German cockroaches contaminate food, and their droppings and shed skins are a major asthma trigger.

Keep children and pets away from any traps, baits or treated areas.

About cockroaches

The German cockroach is one of the cockroaches. Cockroaches are ancient, flat-bodied insects that hide in narrow cracks during the day and forage at night. Females produce egg cases called oothecae, each holding a dozen to about 40 eggs depending on the species. Nymphs look like small, wingless adults.

Seeing a cockroach during the day can be a sign of a large population, because crowded hiding spots push some roaches out into the open.

Frequently asked questions