There are 55 species of cockroaches in the United States, but only five of these are troublesome in Nebraska. Each female produces approximately six oothecae in her lifetime, each containing 30 to 40 eggs. The German cockroach has approximately six generations per year and each generation is completed in 50 to 60 days. The adult German cockroaches have a life expectancy of six months. This roach cannot fly but may glide very short distances if disturbed.
German cockroaches can live in almost any room of a home or building.
Because these roaches require water, they prefer a warm moist environment, such as around kitchen and bathroom sinks, appliances, furnaces, water heaters and furnace ducts. Though both have wings, only the male can fly. The female carries each egg capsule for only a day or two before attaching it to a protected surface. The egg capsules are usually deposited in clusters or rows, and most of the eggs hatch within 50 days. Approximately 5 to 18 egg capsules are produced per female, each containing 19 eggs.