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Pest Library · Crawling insectsGerman Cockroaches Identification Guide
How to identify German cockroaches, the most common cockroach in Toronto apartments, condos and restaurants.
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How to identify
What cockroaches look like
German cockroaches are small, light brown cockroaches with two dark parallel stripes behind the head. Nymphs are darker with a pale stripe down the back.
Females carry a light brown egg case at the tip of the abdomen, each holding 30–40 eggs.
Signs you have cockroaches
- Roaches running when you turn on kitchen or bathroom lights
- Pepper-like droppings in cabinets and drawers
- Egg cases in cracks and under shelves
- Dead roaches under appliances
- A musty, oily smell in heavy infestations
Are they dangerous?
Cockroaches contaminate food and surfaces and can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children. They breed very quickly and spread between units through plumbing and walls.
How to prevent them
- Clean grease and crumbs from stoves, counters and behind appliances
- Store food sealed and take garbage out nightly
- Fix leaks and dripping taps
- Seal cracks around pipes under sinks
- Inspect boxes and grocery bags from stores and storage
Quick facts
Scientific nameBlattella germanica
Size12–15 mm
ColourLight brown with two dark stripes
Most activeYear-round indoors
Found inKitchens, bathrooms, apartments, restaurants
Risk levelHigh (spreads fast)
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