Cockroach

Scientific Name: Blattodea (Order)

Order & Family: Order: Blattodea, Family: Blattidae (most common household species)

Size: Typically 0.5 to 2 inches (1.2 to 5 cm) long, depending on the species.

Cockroach

Natural Habitat

Warm, humid, dark places; often found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and drains. They are commonly associated with human dwellings but can also live outdoors in leaf litter and under logs.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers. They eat almost anything, including food scraps, paper, fabric, glue, dead insects, and decaying organic matter.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal; active at night, hiding in cracks and crevices during the day. Known for their fast movements and ability to squeeze into tight spaces. They reproduce quickly, with females laying egg cases (oothecae). Some species can fly short distances, while others rely on running.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can be pests, contaminating food, spreading bacteria, and triggering allergies or asthma in some individuals. They do not typically bite or sting. Benefits: In natural ecosystems, they play a role as decomposers, breaking down organic matter.

Identified on: 9/26/2025