Occurrence of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (Dictyoptera: Blattelidae), outdoors in Alabama and Texas

The German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), is the most serious indoor insect pest of apartments and food handling facilities worldwide. Although this species is considered an indoor pest, there have been several reports of its occurrence outdoors. Because outdoor populations may seve as nuclei for reinfestations, control of outdoor populations could affect indoor control. Presently, insecticide treatments for B. germanica are performed exclusively indoors. The trap data indicate that B. germanica may become established outdoors, at least during the spring and summer.