Which species of cockroach is the most common indoor species, particularly in food service spaces?

The German cockroach is recognized as the most common indoor species, especially in food service spaces, due to its adaptability, reproductive capacity, and preference for warm, humid environments typically found in kitchens and restaurants. This species is quite small, averaging around half an inch in length, and its ability to reproduce rapidly makes it a prominent pest in places where food is prepared and stored. German cockroaches are often found in areas where food residues are present, and their presence can be particularly problematic in maintaining hygiene and food safety standards.

Other species, while they may also inhabit indoor environments, do not share the same prevalence or specific association with food service areas as the German cockroach. For instance, the American cockroach is larger and more commonly found in sewers and drains, rather than in kitchens. The Oriental cockroach prefers cooler, moist areas and is less likely to be found in food service settings compared to the German cockroach. The Smokybrown cockroach, although it can occasionally enter homes, is more often associated with outdoor environments and, unlike the German cockroach, does not thrive specifically in food service settings.