Both German and American cockroaches are species of cockroaches. The German cockroach is a small species while the American cockroach makes up the large species. The two species appear different from each other.
German species are tarn with dark, parallel lines running from their heads to the ends of their wings while the latter is reddish-brown with a thorax edged in faded yellow.
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Comparison Table (German Vs American Cockroach)
| Basic Terms | German cockroach | American cockroach |
| Appearance | They are tan, with dark parallel lines running from their heads to the ends of their wings. | They are reddish-brown with a thorax edged in faded yellow. |
| Size | Smaller than about half an inch long. | They measure about one and half-inch to two inches. |
| Location | They are found in kitchens and bathrooms | Found in basements, crawl spaces, and around or inside drains. |
| Frequency | They frequently occur as they are common. | They do not occur frequently. |
| Problems caused | They transfer germs on the surfaces as they walk on them. | They also transfer germs to the surfaces they walk on and may also cause bacterial diseases. |
| Control | Regular cleaning, sanitizing sinks and wiping counters. | Sanitation and home repairs. |
| Where they live | Live anywhere human builds a heated structure. | They live in dark, damp areas such as sewers, storm drains, steam tunnels, landscaping, and tree holes. |
| What they eat | They are fond of starches, sweets, meat, bread, gravies. | Feed on many kinds of food but they show fondness for fermenting materials. |
What Is a German cockroach?
The German cockroach is a small insect, tan with dark parallel lines running from their heads to the end of their wings. It is the most common species of cockroach found worldwide.
The German cockroach is very dangerous when they invade your home. They carry a large number of viruses and bacteria on their bodies and in their feces which can cause diarrhea and other health-related diseases.
They mostly feed on starches, sweets, meat, bread gravies. When there is a shortage of food, they may eat household items such as soap, toothpaste. When there is famine they may chew each other’s wings and legs.
They can be controlled by ensuring that all surfaces are clean as they are normally attracted to dirty surfaces.
What Is American Cockroach?
The American cockroach is the largest species of the common cockroach and also considered a pest. It is mostly found in states but it is not native to North America. It is also commonly known as a water bug although it is not aquatic.
They are also dangerous as they live in areas such as bathrooms, drains, and dumpsters. These areas harbor dangerous bacteria and the cockroaches may carry them on their bodies and contaminate the surfaces and the foodstuffs around.
They feed on many kinds of food but they show a lot of interest in fermenting materials. Outdoors, tend to eat decaying leaves, algae, and small insects. Indoors, they eat crumbs found under appliances in drains, behind kitchen cabinets, and on the floor.
They are controlled by maintaining high levels of sanitation and repairing home appliances for them not to have crevices to hide in.
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Main Differences between German and American Cockroach
- The German cockroach is tan with dark parallel lines running from their heads to the end of the wings while the American cockroach is reddish-brown with thorax edged in faded yellow.
- The former is smaller in size by about half an inch while the latter is larger in size by about one and a half to two inches.
- The former are found in kitchens and bathrooms while the latter are found in basements, crawl spaces, and in drains.
- The former feeds on starch, sweets, meat, and fatty foodstuffs while the latter feeds on various kinds of food but they show fondness for fermenting materials.
- The former occur frequently as they are commonly found while the latter does not occur frequently as they are not commonly found.
Similarities between German and American Cockroach
- Both prefer moist and warm places.
- They both carry bacteria on their bodies and can cause health-related diseases.
- They both feed on various kinds of foodstuffs.
- They are both controlled using similar ways.
- They both prefer areas where they can access food remains.
FAQs
How do you tell if it is a German cockroach?
German cockroaches is recognized by their light brown to tan color with two dark lines running from their head to the ends of their wings. Female ones tend to be darker than males.
Which one is dangerous between German and American cockroaches?
German cockroaches are considered to be most dangerous because of their color which makes them difficult to spot scuttling around in dark, cluttered areas of the home. The speed at which German cockroaches can invade homes is very high.
Do American cockroaches infest homes?
Yes, they do. They can easily pass underneath doors, or enter through basement windows and garages. Once inside the house, they find their way to the kitchen, bathroom, basement, or laundry room in search of food.
How to get rid of German cockroaches?
Since the German cockroaches can cause great damage when they invest in a home, they need to be done away with fast. Use bait to kill them as it will be possible to kill even the ones hiding behind the walls and in cracks.
How to get rid of the American cockroaches?
You need to cover all penetrations through ground-level walls, remove rotting leaves from the window wells and gutters and stop water leaks. These and many more may help you to do away with the cockroaches.
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Comparison Video
Summary
Both German and American cockroaches are dangerous as they may carry on their bodies some bacteria and it may also be contained in their feces and when they pass on the surfaces they live them there making the surfaces to be contaminated. If not controlled, they may cause great damage as they may go ahead and feed on household items.
More Sources and References:
- Types of Cockroaches. Terminix
- American Cockroaches. Pestworld