German Cockroach

Scientific Name: Blattella germanica

Order & Family: Order Blattodea, Family Ectobiidae

Size: 13 to 16 mm (about 1/2 to 5/8 inches) in length

German Cockroach

Natural Habitat

Indoor human environments, specifically warm, humid areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavenger; eats almost anything including human food scraps, soap, glue, toothpaste, and paper.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and highly reproductive; females carry egg cases (oothecae) until shortly before hatching. They are fast runners and social, often aggregating in cracks and crevices.

Risks & Benefits

Significant indoor pest. Risks include spreading pathogens (Salmonella, E. coli), contaminating food, and producing allergens that can trigger asthma or allergic reactions.

Identified on: 3/12/2026