Genetic Study Unveils German Cockroach's Global Domination

Research traces the pest's origins to Southeast Asia and highlights its rapid adaptation to human environments.

The German cockroach evolved from the Asian cockroach about 2,100 years ago.
It spread globally by hitchhiking with human activities such as trade and military movements.
The species is now found exclusively in human-built environments, lacking any wild populations.
Cockroaches have developed significant resistance to insecticides, complicating pest control efforts.
Understanding the genetic evolution of these pests could lead to more effective management strategies.