German Cockroach

Natural Habitat

Inhabits indoor areas near food and moisture sources, such as kitchens (behind appliances, in cabinets), bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavenger that feeds on almost anything, including human food scraps, grease, starches, glue, soap, and even books.

Behavior Patterns

Primarily nocturnal insects that avoid light. They reproduce rapidly, with females carrying egg cases (oothecae) until shortly before hatching. They are social and use aggregation pheromones to cluster together.

Risks & Benefits

Significant risk to human health; they can spread pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli by contaminating food/surfaces. Their droppings and shed skins are common triggers for asthma and allergic reactions, especially in children. They offer no benefits in a domestic ecosystem.

Identified on: 2/10/2026