German cockroach
Quick Summary
The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is a small, winged insect, likely originating from Africa, that is a common household pest in the United States. Cockroaches, belonging to the order Blattodea, are among the most primitive living winged insects, with a history dating back over 320 million years.12
German cockroaches are light brown and characterized by two dark stripes on their thorax. Females produce an egg case (ootheca) about three days after mating and carry it for approximately twenty days. Multiple generations can occur annually, and due to their small size, they are often transported into homes via grocery bags and boxes. They have spread globally due to human transport.2
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