Insect · GBIF taxon 1997215
German Cockroach
Blattella germanicaAlso known as Croton Bug, Steamfly
German cockroaches excel at indoor survival, hiding in narrow dark crevices near warmth and moisture during the day before emerging at night to forage. Females carry their egg cases, known as oothecae, attached to their abdomen until just hours before hatching, maximizing nymph survival. Their rapid reproductive cycle and extreme adaptability make them one of the most successful synanthropic insects on Earth.
NocturnalSynanthropicIndoor Pest
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Food Residue
- Organic Waste
- Starch
Predators
- House Centipede
- Domestic Cat
- Cellar Spider
ThreatsChemical pest control, traps, sanitation improvements
HabitatsHuman dwellings, kitchens, food processing plants, restaurants
Life span100–200 days
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderBlattodea
- FamilyEctobiidae
- GenusBlattella
- SpeciesBlattella germanica
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Carries bacterial pathogens and sheds allergens; maintain clean food storage and control indoor infestations promptly.
- Why it is dangerous
- Transmits pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli on its feet and sheds exuviae containing airborne allergens that trigger asthma.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Identified by its small size, tan body, and two distinct dark parallel stripes on the shield behind its head.
- What to do
- Avoid touching specimens directly; keep surfaces disinfected and engage pest management professionals for widespread infestations.
Responsible observation
- Sanitation: Keep food sealed in airtight containers and clean up crumbs or standing water immediately to eliminate food sources.
- Sealing Crevices: Caulk gaps around pipes, baseboards, and cabinets to restrict access to secure hiding places.
- Professional Control: Use targeted baits and sticky monitors rather than broad spray insecticides to prevent pesticide resistance.
Co-Occurring Pest (c) Len Worthington, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Predator (c) Kyle Elshoff, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kyle Elshoff · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Natasha Wright, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) azurebeetle, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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