German Cockroach

Natural Habitat

Primarily indoor environments, preferring warm, humid places close to food and water sources, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and food preparation areas. They are common in homes, apartments, restaurants, and other commercial buildings.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers. They will eat almost any organic matter, including food scraps, grease, pet food, soap, glue, and even toothpaste. They are especially attracted to starches, sweets, and fatty foods.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and highly adaptable. They are known for their rapid reproduction rate, with females producing several egg cases (oothecae) in their lifetime, each containing many eggs. They are excellent at hiding in cracks and crevices and are often found in large infestations due to their quick breeding and ability to spread. They can run quickly but rarely fly.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks to humans include significant public health nuisances. They can contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria and pathogens, trigger allergies and asthma symptoms, and spread diseases. They are not known to provide any significant benefits to the human ecosystem, especially within indoor environments.

Identified on: 9/8/2025