German Cockroach

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide in human-occupied structures, preferring warm, humid areas with access to food and water, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers; they eat almost anything, including food scraps like starches, sugars, grease, and meat, as well as non-food items like soap, glue, and toothpaste.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and thigmotactic (preferring tight cracks and crevices). They reproduce rapidly; a female carries an egg capsule (ootheca) containing 30–40 eggs until they serve ready to hatch.

Risks & Benefits

Major pest. They can contaminate food and surfaces with pathogens (Salmonella, E. coli), their droppings and shed skins are potent allergens that can trigger asthma, and infestations can be difficult to eliminate due to rapid reproduction.

Identified on: 3/6/2026