American Cockroach

Natural Habitat

Typically found in warm, humid, and dark environments, often indoors in basements, crawl spaces, sewers, and drains. They can also be found outdoors in warmer climates, under mulch or in gardens.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers, feeding on a wide variety of food items including decaying organic matter, starches, sweets, grease, hair, dead insects, and even book bindings and glue.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal and prefer dark, damp places. They are known for their fast, darting movements when disturbed. They reproduce year-round in favorable conditions and can live for several years. They tend to live in groups.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Known to carry and spread various pathogens, including bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli) and viruses, contributing to food contamination and allergies. They can also carry parasitic worms. Benefits: In natural ecosystems, they play a minor role in breaking down organic matter.

Identified on: 8/10/2025