
Community identification
German Cockroach
Blattella germanica
- Order & Family
- Blattodea, Ectobiidae
- Size
- 1.1 to 1.6 cm (0.43 to 0.63 inches)
Natural Habitat
Primarily indoor human structures, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and areas with moisture and food access.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous scavengers that feed on organic matter, including food scraps, grease, starch, glue, and soap.
Behavior Patterns
Mainly nocturnal, highly social (but not colonial), and characterized by a rapid reproductive cycle where females carry egg cases (oothecae) until hatching.
Risks & Benefits
Significant urban pest; known to carry pathogens, contaminate food, and produce allergens that can trigger asthma or allergic reactions; they provide no significant benefits in human environments.