Cockroach (based on droppings)
Scientific Name: Various species, depending on location (e.g., Blattella germanica for German cockroach, Periplaneta americana for American cockroach)
Order & Family: Blattodea, various families (e.g., Blattidae, Ectobiidae)
Size: Varies by species, generally from 0.5 to 2 inches (1.3 to 5 cm) in length.
Natural Habitat
Warm, humid, and dark environments, often found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and other areas with access to food and water. They hide in cracks, crevices, and behind appliances.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous scavengers, feeding on a wide variety of organic matter including food scraps, decaying matter, paper, fabrics, and even glue.
Behavior Patterns
Typically nocturnal, cockroaches scatter when disturbed and prefer dark, moist environments. They are known for rapid reproduction and can establish large infestations quickly. They often leave behind droppings that resemble coffee grounds or black pepper, and shed skins.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Cockroaches can carry and spread various pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasitic worms) on their bodies and in their feces, contributing to food contamination and triggering allergies and asthma, particularly in children. They can also damage property and food stores. Benefits: In natural ecosystems, some species play a role in decomposition.
Identified on: 8/29/2025