Small White/Gray Insects in a Dorm Room: Likely Cockroach Nymphs

The photos are too blurry for certainty, but the description—2 cm (but appearing smaller), translucent white to gray/tan, faint stripes, small legs/antennae, scurrying on carpet—strongly suggests German cockroach nymphs (Blattella germanica).

Why This Fits

• Early instars are pale, translucent, and ~2–3 mm (not 2 cm—likely a size estimate error).
• They scurry rapidly when disturbed.
• Dorms are high-risk for roaches due to shared walls, plumbing, and food availability.
• They hide in cracks, behind appliances, under sinks—carpet edges are foraging paths.

Immediate Steps

1. Report to housing/maintenance immediately. Roaches in multi-unit buildings require coordinated treatment.
2. Do not use foggers or sprays—they scatter roaches and worsen infestations.
3. Request professional baiting (gel baits: Advion, Vendetta, Maxforce). Baits are the gold standard.
4. Sanitation: No food in room. Seal all food. Take trash out daily. Clean spills instantly.
5. Reduce clutter (cardboard, paper) where they hide.

If management is unresponsive, contact the local health department. Early, building-wide baiting prevents a major infestation.