German cockroach

Warm, humid indoor areas, especially kitchens, bathrooms, cabinets, and appliances. The sink-side location is typical.

Omnivorous scavengers that eat food residues, grease, starches, sweets, cardboard, and organic debris. They may feed on soap or toothpaste when other food is scarce.

Mostly nocturnal, fast-moving, and prone to hiding in cracks during daylight. Females carry an egg case until shortly before hatching, allowing populations to grow rapidly indoors.

Can contaminate food and surfaces and spread bacteria, allergens, and asthma-triggering shed skins or feces. They provide little household benefit, though they are decomposers in natural environments.