Genetic Study Reveals Origins and Global Spread of German Cockroach, Influenced by Medieval Warfare

May 20, 2024, 11:10 PM

A recent genetic study has traced the origins and global spread of the German cockroach, revealing that medieval warfare and colonial trade played significant roles in its distribution. Scientists have conducted a DNA analysis, solving the 250-year-old puzzle of where this ubiquitous pest is from. The species, which is adapted entirely to living in human dwellings, initially rose in southern Asia millenniums ago before spreading across the globe. The findings, published in PNASNews, highlight how human activities have contributed to the widespread presence of the German cockroach in nearly every corner of the world.