
Community identification
Cockroach nymph, likely German cockroach
Blattella germanica
- Order & Family
- Blattodea; Blattellidae
- Size
- Adults are about 13–16 mm long; nymphs range from roughly 3 mm to 12 mm.
Natural Habitat
Warm, humid indoor areas, especially kitchens, bathrooms, wall voids, and around appliances or plumbing.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous scavengers feeding on crumbs, grease, starches, pet food, and organic debris; they may also consume glue, paper, and dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
Mostly nocturnal, fast-running, and highly secretive, hiding in cracks during daylight. Females carry egg cases until hatching, allowing populations to increase rapidly indoors.
Risks & Benefits
Can contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria, allergens, and droppings, and may worsen asthma or allergies. They provide limited ecosystem value indoors but are decomposers outdoors.