American Cockroach

Natural Habitat

Warm, damp, and dark environments such as basements, sewers, drains, steam tunnels, and natural leaf litter outdoors. They often infest homes and commercial buildings, especially those with food preparation.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers; they will eat almost anything, including food crumbs, decaying organic matter, sewage, paper, fabric, and even other insects.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal; active primarily at night. They are fast runners and can fly short distances when disturbed. They are social insects, living in groups. They reproduce quickly, with females laying egg cases (oothecae) that contain multiple eggs.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can spread bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli), viruses, fungi, and parasitic worms. Their droppings and shed skins can trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals. They can contaminate food and surfaces. \nBenefits: In natural ecosystems, they play a role in breaking down organic matter. However, their presence in human dwellings is almost always considered a pest.

Identified on: 9/6/2025