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Asian Roaches VS German Cockroaches in Gloucester County, NJ; Identification & Control Tips

There are approximately 4,500 species of cockroaches worldwide and only about 30 of those species interact with humans. In the state of New Jersey, we frequently see the American, Oriental, German and Asian cockroach. The Asian cockroach species is newer to our state. Asian roaches first arrived in the 1980’s and have quickly spread throughout New Jersey. However, at first glance most will see an Asian cockroach and assume it is a German cockroach. They both are very similar in appearance. So, the big question is, how do you tell the two of them apart and does one species pose a bigger threat than the other? Ross Environmental Solutions will explain the difference between these two species and what threat they may pose to homes and businesses.

Asian Cockroach Identification

The Asian cockroach, like the German cockroach, is an averaged size species that reaches up to 5/8 of an inch in length. They are tan or light brown in color and are equipped with a pair of wings that extend slightly past their abdomen. Asian cockroaches are also much stronger fliers than the German cockroaches. In fact, they are probably one of the best flying cockroach species and are equal to a moth in flight! Another feature that confuses many people is that both German and Asian cockroaches have the same distinct markings of two stripes going vertically down their head from their eye. However, one way to tell the two species apart is the coloring. German cockroaches are copper or reddish tan in color, while Asian cockroaches are light tan or brown with wings that extend past their abdomen. Asian cockroaches hitchhiked their way across the world in luggage, boxes, and shipping containers. They prefer to live outside. Nevertheless, they are drawn to light and often wander indoors in search of it. They may also seek shelter inside homes during extreme heat or cold temperatures. Asian cockroaches feed on just about anything. However, they have a particular liking for bollworm eggs and actually help reduce bollworm populations which are known to damage crops.

How to Identify German Cockroaches

The German cockroach is average sized and grows to ½ to 5/8 of an inch in length. They too have wings, but aren’t known for flying. Their wings are slightly shorter than their abdomen, unlike the Asian cockroach which extends past the abdomen. German cockroaches are copper or dark brown in color with the same two dark brown or black markings going vertically down their head from their eyes, which is a well-known trait of the German cockroach. Even though they are called a German cockroach their origin is still undetermined since German cockroaches have spread all over the world and have been seen worldwide for centuries. German cockroaches prefer warm climates and during the winter they will invade homes to escape the winter cold. Both German cockroaches and Asian cockroaches will hibernate if they are exposed to cold temperatures. However, if they infest a home where the temperatures stay controlled and warm enough, they will remain active.

Cockroach Control

Both German and Asian cockroaches pose a threat by contaminating food and transmitting harmful diseases. As to which species is more of a risk, that is debatable. German cockroaches reproduce the fastest, compared to the other four common species, which can lead to large scale infestations but Asian cockroaches are commonly found during the day. If you have either German cockroaches or Asian cockroaches invading your home, contact Ross Environmental Solutions today. We can handle all your pest control needs!

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