Cockroach Nymph (possibly German Cockroach nymph given the small size and indoor setting)
Scientific Name: Blattella germanica (for German Cockroach)
Order & Family: Order: Blattodea, Family: Ectobiidae (for German Cockroach)
Size: Approximately 1-3 mm for early instar nymphs (for German Cockroach nymphs, which are very small initially and grow to about 13-16 mm as adults)
Natural Habitat
Indoors, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas with food, water, and harborage. They prefer warm, humid environments and can be found in cracks, wall voids, behind appliances, and under sinks.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous scavengers. They eat almost anything, including food scraps, decaying organic matter, starches, sweets, grease, meat products, and even non-food items like glue, soap, and book bindings.
Behavior Patterns
They are nocturnal and typically avoid light. They are often found in dark, moist areas. They can reproduce rapidly under favorable conditions, laying many eggs in cracks and crevices.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can be a significant household pest. They can spread bacteria and pathogens, contaminate food, and trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals. They are generally considered a nuisance and a sign of poor sanitation. Benefits: None in an indoor domestic setting. In natural ecosystems, some cockroach species are decomposers.
Identified on: 8/19/2025