Usually the most common of the cockroaches. In addition to being a nuisance, it has been implicated in outbreaks of illness, the transmission of a variety of pathogenic organisms including on parasitic protooan, and allergic reactions in many people.

Habits

German cockroaches are found throughout structures but show a preference for warm (temperature 70 degrees or higher) and humid places.

Habitat

They are usually found in kitchens and secondarily in bathrooms, but infestations often occur in rooms where people eat and drink while watching television such as a den. Any crack or crevice located near a source of food and/or water is prime harborage. Most commonly introduced into buildings via paper products or paper packaging.

They feed on almost anything with nutitive value including all kinds of food, and such things as soap, glue, and toothpaste.

Threats

In addition to being a nuisance, it has been implicated in outbreaks of illness, the transmission of a variety of pathogenic organisms including on parasitic protooan, and allergic reactions in many people.

Prevention

Good sanitation and habitat reduction, along with vacuuming, surveillance, a baiting program, and some sealing of cracks can usually quickly reduce or eliminate a cockroach population.