Cockroach

Natural Habitat

Diverse habitats, often found in human dwellings, kitchens, bathrooms, basements; prefers warm, damp, and dark places.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers. They eat almost anything, including food scraps, decaying organic matter, glue, soap, paper, fabric, and even other insects.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, hiding during the day and becoming active at night to forage for food. They are fast runners and can exhibit thigmotaxis (preferring tight spaces). They reproduce rapidly and can live in large infestations.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can be pests, carrying and spreading bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli), viruses, and parasites. Their droppings and shed skins can trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals. They can contaminate food and surfaces. No significant benefits known in a domestic setting; in ecological roles, they can be decomposers.

Identified on: 10/26/2025