German Cockroach

Scientific Name: Blattella germanica

Order & Family: Blattodea, Ectobiidae

Size: Typically 1.1 to 1.6 cm (0.43 to 0.63 inches) long.

German Cockroach

Natural Habitat

Prefers warm, humid environments, often found indoors in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas with food and moisture. They commonly hide in cracks and crevices, behind appliances, and inside cabinets.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers, feeding on almost anything, including food scraps, crumbs, pet food, grease, soap, glue, and even toothpaste.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, hiding in cracks and crevices during the day. They are quick runners and can squeeze into tight spaces. They leave behind droppings that look like coffee grounds or black pepper and can also leave behind a musty odor.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Known as common household pests. They can contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria (like Salmonella and E. coli) and allergens, potentially triggering asthma and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. They are not known to bite or carry diseases directly but can spread pathogens indirectly. Benefits: In natural ecosystems, cockroaches contribute to breaking down organic matter, but their presence indoors is generally considered a nuisance and health risk.

Identified on: 8/26/2025