German Cockroach (Nymph)

Scientific Name: Blattella germanica

Order & Family: Order: Blattodea; Family: Ectobiidae

Size: 3 mm (early instar nymphs) to 16 mm (fully grown adults)

German Cockroach (Nymph)

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, specifically warm, humid areas near food and water sources such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavenger; they consume human food, pet food, crumbs, grease, and even non-food items like soap, toothpaste, and book bindings.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and highly gregarious. They typically hide in dark cracks and crevices during the day. They have a fast reproductive cycle, with females carrying an ootheca (egg case) until just before hatching.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Major household pest that can spread bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella), contaminate food, and trigger asthma or allergies through their droppings and shed skins. Benefits: Minimal in human environments; in the wild, related species help decompose organic matter.

Identified on: 3/26/2026