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German Cockroach

Blattella germanica

Use cautionCommon

Quick answer

Doesn't bite, but spreads germs and triggers allergies. Safety level: Use caution.

How to identify the German Cockroach

A small, light brown cockroach about 12-15 mm long.
Two dark parallel stripes run lengthwise on the shield behind the head.
It runs fast, hides in warm, damp places and rarely flies.
Size: 12–15 mm.

Where it lives

Lives worldwide almost only indoors: kitchens, bathrooms, restaurants and around appliances, pipes and cracks near food and water.

Is it dangerous?

German cockroaches do not bite people in normal circumstances, but they spread germs onto food and surfaces, and their droppings and shed skins can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children. Seeing them in daytime usually means a large infestation.

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Children and pets

Keep children away from baits and sprays.

What to do

Store food in sealed containers.
Fix leaks; roaches need water.
Call pest control if you see them by day.

Fun fact

A cockroach can live for about a week without its head.

⚠ Call emergency services straight away for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a scorpion sting in a child. This page is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I see cockroaches in the daytime?

Cockroaches hide by day. Seeing them in daylight often means there are too many for the hiding places.

Are cockroach sprays safe for children?

Keep children and pets away from baits and sprays, follow the label, and consider a licensed pest controller.

What attracts German cockroaches?

Food crumbs, dirty dishes, open food containers and water leaks.