Cockroach (likely German cockroach or similar small species)
Scientific Name: Blattella germanica (if German) or another species within Blattodea
Order & Family: Blattodea, Ectobiidae (formerly Blattellidae for German cockroach)
Size: 1.1 cm to 1.6 cm (adult German cockroach). Other species can be larger.
Natural Habitat
Found in human dwellings, especially kitchens, bathrooms, and food preparation areas. Prefers warm, humid, and dark environments.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous scavengers. They eat almost anything, including food scraps, grease, starches, sweets, pet food, and even non-food items like glue and soap.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal; they hide in cracks and crevices during the day and emerge at night to forage for food and water. They are fast runners and can reproduce quickly, leading to large infestations. They produce an ootheca (egg case) that contains multiple eggs.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can be vectors for pathogens, spreading bacteria (like Salmonella and E. coli) and viruses that cause food poisoning and other diseases. Their droppings and shed skins can trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals. They are considered pests. Benefits: Generally none to humans in a domestic setting; in natural ecosystems, they play a minor role as decomposers.
Identified on: 10/22/2025