Which cockroach species is the most abundant in the United States?

• A. Oriental
• B. German
• C. American
• D. Brownbanded

Answer: (B)

The main idea is which cockroach species has the greatest ability to thrive inside human-made environments, where food, warmth, and shelter are readily available. The German cockroach fits this best, making it the most common in U.S. homes and indoor spaces such as restaurants and schools. Its biology drives rapid population growth: females produce oothecae with multiple eggs, and development from egg to adult happens quickly. Its small size and preference for warm, humid indoor areas—kitchens and bathrooms—allow it to colonize even tiny cracks and crevices, leading to widespread, high numbers across many urban areas. This combination of rapid reproduction and strong indoor adaptability explains why it is the most abundant species in the United States. The other species tend to be less common indoors: Oriental roaches prefer cooler, damp areas; American roaches are larger and more often found outdoors or in basements and sewers; brownbanded roaches thrive in drier, higher spots and in more limited distributions.