Species guide
German cockroach
Nuisance, not harmfulBlattella germanica
How to recognise it
A small light-brown cockroach, about 1.3–1.6 cm, with two dark parallel stripes running down the shield behind the head. Prefers warm, humid kitchens and bathrooms.
Is it dangerous?
Doesn't bite, but contaminates food and surfaces and is a major trigger for allergies and asthma. It breeds extremely fast, so infestations escalate quickly.
What to do
Tighten sanitation, remove food and water sources, and use gel baits. Persistent infestations usually need professional pest control.
Recorded 7,557 times in the wild worldwide.
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