Community identification
German cockroach
Blattella germanica
- Order & Family
- Blattodea; Ectobiidae
- Size
- Adults are about 13–16 mm long; nymphs are smaller and wingless.
Natural Habitat
Warm, humid indoor areas, especially kitchens, bathrooms, and sites near food, water, and appliances.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous scavengers eating crumbs, grease, starches, sweets, pet food, and organic debris.
Behavior Patterns
Mostly nocturnal, fast-moving, and prone to hiding in cracks and crevices. Females carry egg cases until hatching, allowing populations to increase rapidly.
Risks & Benefits
Can contaminate food and surfaces and spread allergens associated with asthma and dermatitis. They have little household benefit, though they recycle organic matter outdoors.