Objective To obtain the species composition, seasonal dynamics and density in important infestation places of cockroaches in Wuhan city so as to provide a scientific evidence for the prevention and control of cockroaches. Methods The sticky traps method was used to monitor the density of cockroaches in farm produce markets, restaurants, hotels, hospitals and residential areas from 2007 to 2016. The data obtained were analyzed by SPSS 20.0 softuare. Besides, the density and the infestation in every year and different places were compared by Chi-square test and variance analysis, respectively. Results In total, 20 137 cockroaches were captured which belonged to 3 species under 2 genera and 2 families. The average density was 0.94 insects per sheet and the infestation was 18.40%. Blattella germanica was the predomination species, accounting to 96.77%. The seasonal variation of cockroaches was obvious, and the peak mainly happened in June to October. The average density and the infestation rate of cockroaches in farm produce markets and restaurants were highest, which were 1.13 insects per sheet and 27.13%, 1.71 insects per sheet and 26.19%, respectively. Hotels and residential areas were in the next places and hospital was the lowest. The diversity index of cockroaches in residential areas was 0.586 7, which was the highest, and followed by that in farm produce markets and hospital, which were 0.259 0 and 0.232 6, respectively. The structure of cockroaches in farm produce markets, restaurants and residential areas were extremely similar, while the rest of the habitats were moderately similar. Conclusion Blattella germanica is the predominant population of cockroaches in Wuhan city. The activity peak appears in summer and early autumn, besides, the places around farm produce markets and restaurants should be viewed as the key points. Targeted comprehensive control measures should be taken according to the ecological characteristics of cockroach communities in different habitats.