German Cockroach

Scientific Name: Blattella germanica

Order & Family: Blattodea, Ectobiidae (formerly Blattellidae)

Size: Typically 1.1 to 1.6 cm (0.43 to 0.63 in) long.

German Cockroach

Natural Habitat

Prefers warm, humid environments, especially kitchens and bathrooms. They often hide in cracks and crevices, behind appliances, and inside cabinets.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous, feeding on almost anything, including food scraps, grease, soap, glue, and even other cockroaches. They prefer starches, sugars, and fatty foods.

Behavior Patterns

Cockroaches are primarily nocturnal and gregarious. They are fast runners and can squeeze into tight spaces. They lay egg cases (oothecae) that contain multiple eggs.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include spreading bacteria (like Salmonella and E. coli), allergens that can trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals, and contaminating food surfaces. No direct benefits to humans, though they play a minor role in decomposition in natural settings.

Identified on: 9/2/2025