Over the past 5-8 years, I have noticed a big increase in these small roaches in my Northern California garden. After visiting several bug ID sites, I got the answer that it is a cockroach of the Family Blattellidae: Phyllodromica trivittata. BugGuide posts an information page of it at http://bugguide.net/node/view/341215%20BugGuide.
Although it seems to be harmless in my garden, it has become quite an annoying resident in my home. It does not appear to be interested in any human food in our kitchen, but it is frequently seen walking across bedding, walls, desks and tables. I have just begun trying to get rid of these home invaders using baits that target the larger cockroaches that are common pests in cities. If anyone is familiar with getting rid of this species of cockroach from houses, please let me know.
