The German cockroach is a small, brown insect commonly found in homes and buildings. It measures about 1.1 to 1.6 centimeters in length and has two distinctive dark stripes running down its back. This species thrives in warm, humid environments, making kitchens and bathrooms ideal habitats. German cockroaches are known for their rapid reproduction, with a single female capable of producing up to 400 offspring in her lifetime. They are primarily nocturnal and feed on a variety of organic materials, including food scraps and grease, which can lead to contamination and health concerns in infested areas.