German Cockroach Identification Melbourne
Identify German cockroaches — the most persistent indoor cockroach in Melbourne.
German Cockroach in Melbourne — Quick Answer
The German cockroach is Melbourne's most common indoor cockroach species and the hardest to eliminate without professional treatment. Adults are small, measuring 12–15 mm with light brown colouring and two dark stripes behind the head. They breed rapidly in kitchens and bathrooms where moisture and food are available. T47 Pest Control uses gel baits and targeted sprays to eliminate German cockroach colonies at the source.
How to Identify German Cockroach
Size
12–15 mm adult body length
Colour
Light tan to brown with two dark parallel stripes behind the head
Behaviour
Nocturnal, extremely fast breeders (30–40 eggs per capsule), prefer warm humid areas
Habitat
Kitchens, behind fridges, under dishwashers, bathrooms, commercial kitchens
Look-Alikes & Confusion Notes
May be confused with brown-banded cockroaches. German cockroaches have two dark stripes behind the head, while brown-banded cockroaches have lighter bands across the wings. German cockroaches prefer kitchens; brown-banded prefer drier areas.
Risk & Urgency
Very high. German cockroaches breed rapidly, trigger asthma and allergies, and contaminate food. A single egg capsule produces 30–40 nymphs. Professional treatment is essential — DIY sprays rarely reach harbourage areas.
Where Found in Melbourne
German cockroaches are found across all Melbourne suburbs, concentrated in apartments, restaurants, and any building with commercial kitchens. Multi-unit dwellings are particularly vulnerable due to shared plumbing and wall cavities.
What to Do Now
Clean kitchen surfaces, fix leaking taps, seal around pipes, and eliminate food residue. Over-the-counter sprays are largely ineffective against German cockroaches. Contact T47 Pest Control for professional gel bait treatment that eliminates the colony.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are German cockroaches so hard to get rid of?
- German cockroaches breed very quickly — each egg capsule produces 30–40 nymphs every few weeks. They hide deep in cracks, behind appliances, and inside walls where surface sprays cannot reach. Professional gel baiting is the most effective treatment.
- Do German cockroaches fly?
- German cockroaches have wings but rarely fly. They prefer to run and can move extremely quickly across surfaces. If you see flying cockroaches in Melbourne, they are likely American or Australian cockroaches.
- Can German cockroaches spread disease?
- Yes. German cockroaches carry salmonella, E. coli, and other bacteria on their bodies and in their droppings. They contaminate food, utensils, and preparation surfaces. Their shed skins and droppings also trigger asthma and allergies.
Related Species
American Cockroach
Identify American cockroaches in Melbourne — large, flying cockroaches in drains and basements.
Brown-Banded Cockroach
Identify brown-banded cockroaches — small pests hiding in Melbourne furniture and electronics.
Australian Cockroach
Identify Australian cockroaches — large outdoor cockroaches that fly into Melbourne homes.