Different Types of Cockroaches

There are over 4,000 different types of cockroaches in the world, but the main types of cockroaches commonly found in homes in the U.S can be particularly troublesome. If you’re wondering how to get rid of roaches, it's essential to first identify the species to determine the best approach for control. Find more detailed information below about these cockroach species:

• American cockroaches
• Australian cockroaches
• Brown-banded cockroaches
• German cockroaches
• Oriental cockroaches
• Smokybrown cockroaches

Types of cockroaches

Cockroaches fall into two primary categories: peridomestic and domestic. This classification is based on where they prefer to live and their interactions with human environments.

Peridomestic cockroaches

Peridomestic cockroaches live indoors and outdoors, frequently entering homes through open doors, cracks, or other entry points. These cockroaches typically thrive in moist environments such as gardens, drains, and basements. Periplaneta americana, the American cockroach, is a well-known example of a peridomestic cockroach that often infiltrates homes and businesses when outside conditions become unfavorable.

Domestic cockroaches

Domestic cockroaches prefer to live exclusively indoors, where they thrive in warm, sheltered environments with abundant food sources. The most notorious species in this group is Blattella germanica, the German cockroach. These roaches hide in kitchens and bathrooms, infesting cupboards, appliances, and other hiding places. Due to their rapid reproduction, domestic cockroaches can quickly establish large populations.

6 Common cockroach breeds in North America

Six common species of cockroaches threaten homes and businesses in North America. Our cockroach pest control requires identifying the species to determine the best action.

American cockroaches

Quick Facts

The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is the largest cockroach species found in homes. These pests are highly resilient and can survive in a variety of environments, particularly warm, humid areas such as sewers and basements.

Appearance

American cockroaches are reddish-brown in color with a distinct yellow band around the shield behind their head. Adults can grow up to 40 mm long, making them one of the largest household pests. Their long wings allow them to glide short distances.

How to get rid of them

To manage cockroach infestations caused by American cockroaches, sealing entry points, reducing moisture, and eliminating food sources is crucial. Use sticky traps to monitor activity and consider professional pest control for large populations. Removing clutter and regular sanitation can also help prevent future infestations.

Australian cockroaches

Quick facts

Although less common, Australian cockroaches resemble American cockroaches in size and color but are more commonly found in tropical regions. They prefer warm, moist environments and are often found in greenhouses and gardens.

Appearance

Australian cockroaches are reddish-brown like their American cousins but have yellow markings on their thorax and wings. They are slightly smaller, usually about 23 - 35 mm long.

How to get rid of them

Controlling Australian cockroaches involves sealing cracks and reducing outdoor lighting that attracts them. Removing outdoor food sources and improving ventilation in moist areas can help minimize their presence. In some cases, contacting our professional cockroach pest control might be necessary.

Brown-banded cockroaches

Quick Facts

Brown-banded cockroaches (Supella longipalpa) are known for their unique ability to thrive in drier environments. Unlike many other cockroach species, they do not require high humidity to survive, making them a common indoor pest.

Appearance

These cockroaches are smaller, about half an inch long, with light brown bodies and two distinct bands running across their wings. Males have fully developed wings and are capable of flight, while females have shorter wings and do not fly.

How to get rid of them

Getting rid of brown-banded cockroaches requires targeting their hiding places, such as high cabinets, picture frames, and electrical devices. Sticky traps can help monitor their activity. Reducing clutter and vacuuming regularly can help eliminate egg cases and young cockroaches. Pesticides may also be necessary, especially for large infestations.

German cockroaches

Quick facts

The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is one of the most common and difficult-to-control species in homes. Known for their rapid reproduction, German cockroaches can establish a large cockroach population in a short time.

Appearance

German cockroaches are small, typically about half an inch to 10 - 15 mm long. They are light brown with two dark, parallel stripes running down their backs. While they have wings, they rarely fly.

How to get rid of them

Control of German cockroaches requires a combination of cleanliness, removal of food sources, and chemical treatments. They are often found in kitchens and bathrooms, so frequent cleaning and removing water sources are essential. 

In severe infestations, we recommended our cockroach pest control experts due to their ability to hide in small crevices and multiply quickly.

Oriental cockroaches

Quick facts

Oriental cockroaches (Blatta orientalis) are often referred to as water bugs due to their preference for damp, dark environments. They are commonly found in basements, drains, and crawl spaces.

Appearance

Oriental cockroaches are shiny black or dark brown and are larger than German cockroaches, measuring about 20 - 25 mm long. They have a more sluggish movement and are poor climbers.

How to get rid of them

Controlling Blatta orientalis requires addressing moisture problems, such as leaks or standing water. Use sticky traps to monitor activity and seal all cracks and entry points. 

Oriental cockroaches can be persistent. Contact us now for our cockroach pest control services, which may be necessary, especially for larger infestations.

Smokybrown cockroaches

Quick facts

Smokybrown cockroaches are similar to American cockroaches but tend to be slightly smaller. They prefer moist, warm environments and are commonly found in attics, tree hollows, and roof gutters.

Appearance

These cockroaches are uniformly dark brown or black and can grow up to 25 - 38 mm long. Unlike some species, smokybrown cockroaches are strong fliers, which makes them more challenging to control.

How to get rid of them

Reducing outdoor lighting, sealing entry points, and removing food sources can help control cockroach populations of smokybrown cockroaches. Sticky traps can be effective for monitoring, and outdoor treatments may be necessary if their nests are located nearby. 

We are always here to help our cockroach pest control experts, who may be required for severe infestations.

Bugs that look like cockroaches

There are bugs that look a lot like cockroaches and might incite panic if mistaken for the bothersome pest. If you're lucky, you don't have a cockroach infestation.

Here are a few of the most common bugs mistaken for cockroaches:

Crickets

Crickets may be similar to cockroaches in color, but their back legs are made for jumping and are much longer than cockroach back legs.

Ground beetles

Ground beetles are often mistaken for cockroaches, but their wings are hardened, while cockroach wings, if present, are soft and leathery.

June bugs

Also known as June beetles, these cockroach look-alikes are harmless. You'll definitely hear them coming as they make a loud buzzing sound in flight.

Water bugs 

Cockroaches and water bugs can look very similar, but water bugs are generally bigger. Also, water bugs can survive for an extended period of time in the water, while cockroaches prefer land.

Asian long-horned beetles

As its name suggests, the Asian longhorned beetle has very long, segmented antennae that extend from the head. The antennae might even exceed body length.

Leaf-footed bugs 

Named for the leaf shapes on the hind legs, leaf-footed bugs have a narrower body than cockroaches. Additionally, their wings often have a zigzag pattern on them, whereas cockroach wings, when present, do not.

Frequently asked questions