Cockroach
Scientific Name: Various species, e.g., Periplaneta americana (American cockroach), Blattella germanica (German cockroach)
Order & Family: Order: Blattodea, Family: Blattidae (or various other families within Blattodea, depending on species)
Size: Varies by species, typically 1 to 5 cm (0.4 to 2 inches) in length for common household species.
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in human dwellings, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and other areas with warmth, moisture, and food sources. They hide in cracks, crevices, behind appliances, and under sinks.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous scavengers. They eat almost anything, including food scraps, decaying organic matter, paper, fabric, glue, and even other dead insects. They are particularly attracted to sugary and greasy foods.
Behavior Patterns
Cockroaches are primarily nocturnal and gregarious. They can run very quickly and are known for their ability to fit into small spaces. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis, passing through egg, nymph, and adult stages. They often prefer warm, humid environments.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include carrying and spreading bacteria (like Salmonella and E. coli), allergens that can trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals, and generally being considered a public health pest due to their unsanitary habits. They do not offer significant benefits to human environments, though in natural ecosystems, some species play a role in decomposition.
Identified on: 8/17/2025