Cockroach (likely German Cockroach or American Cockroach)

Natural Habitat

Warm, humid environments; often found indoors in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and other areas where food and water are readily available. Outdoors, they may be found in sewers, drains, and leaf litter.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers, feeding on almost anything. This includes crumbs, spilled food, grease, pet food, decaying organic matter, and even non-food items like glue, soap, and book bindings.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal; they are mostly active at night, foraging for food and water. They are social insects, often living in groups. They are known for their rapid reproduction rate, especially the German cockroach. When disturbed during the day, they will scatter quickly. They can run very fast and some species can fly or glide.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can spread bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli), allergens, and protozoa, contributing to food contamination and triggering asthma in sensitive individuals. They can also cause an unpleasant odor when infestations are large. Benefits: In natural ecosystems, they play a role as decomposers, breaking down organic matter. However, their presence indoors is generally considered a pest issue with no direct benefits to humans.

Identified on: 9/5/2025