Household pest
German cockroach
Blattella germanica
A small indoor cockroach, typically 13–16 mm long, light brown to tan, with two dark parallel stripes on the pronotum (the shield behind the head). It is one of the most common household cockroach species in heated buildings.
Visible identification features
- Adults about 1/2 inch (13–16 mm); nymphs are smaller and darker
- Tan to light brown body
- Two dark longitudinal stripes on the pronotum
- Wings on adults, but they rarely fly
- Usually found in kitchens, bathrooms, and other warm, humid indoor spots
Why it may be in your home
German cockroaches live indoors year-round. They hide in cracks near food, water, and warmth — behind refrigerators, under sinks, inside cabinets, and around dishwashers. Seeing them in the open during the day often means a larger hidden population.
Lookalikes
- Bed bug
Bed bugs are flatter, reddish-brown, lack the two pronotal stripes, and are associated with sleeping areas rather than kitchens.
Next steps
- Confirm the species before treating: German cockroaches need a different approach than occasional outdoor species that wander in.
- Remove food and water: store food in sealed containers, take out garbage, fix leaks, and dry sinks at night.
- Sanitation plus baiting is the usual core of indoor control; indiscriminate spraying can scatter them without eliminating harborages.
- If asthma or a heavy infestation is involved, consider a licensed pest professional rather than repeating consumer sprays.
Sources
- About Cockroaches — CDC
- German Cockroach — University of Florida / IFAS Featured Creatures
Updated 2026-08-19. Claims are limited to these sources.