German Cockroach (Nymph)
Scientific Name: Blattella germanica
Order & Family: Order: Blattodea; Family: Ectobiidae (formerly Blattellidae)
Size: Nymphs start at approximately 3 mm; adults grow to 13–16 mm (1/2 to 5/8 inch).
Natural Habitat
Strongly synanthropic, living almost exclusively in human structures. They prefer warm, humid areas near food and water sources such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous scavengers. They eat almost anything including human food scraps, grease, glue, leather, book bindings, and soap.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and highly gregarious. They hide in tight cracks and crevices during the day. They have a high reproductive rate, with females carrying egg cases (oothecae) until shortly before hatching.
Risks & Benefits
Significant household pest. They carry various pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and parasites), contaminate food, and their droppings or cast skins can trigger asthma and allergic reactions in humans. They offer no significant benefits in indoor environments.
Identified on: 4/4/2026