Thus, control of roaches in schools and childcare centers should be a major concern for the health of children and staff. There are four cockroach species commonly found infesting Indiana schools. Except for size, they are all fairly similar in appearance. The German cockroach is about one half-inch long as an adult. Females will produce from four to eight egg capsules in a lifetime, with each capsule containing between 30 and 40 eggs.
Eggs hatch one day after being deposited.
Like most types of cockroaches, they tend to aggregate together when not foraging. For the German roach, this is essential for mating because the different sexes need to touch antennae and exchange sex pheromones to initiate mating. These roaches will be found anywhere there is food. Nymphs need to molt 13 times before reaching adulthood, so depending on conditions, they take between 16 to 20 months to fully mature. Their entire lifespan is 20-21 months.