Are There Different Kinds of Cockroaches?

Cockroaches are filthy little creatures, and if you have an infestation in your home, all you probably care about is getting rid of it. But you might be surprised to know that not all cockroaches are the same. In fact, there are thousands of different species of cockroaches throughout the world, with a handful being the most common. If you have a roach infestation in your home, you are most likely dealing with German cockroaches, American cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, or brown-banded cockroaches.

German cockroaches can be found worldwide, and are commonly located inside homes. They are light brown or tan in color, with two black horizontal stripes. They are typically 13-16 mm in length when fully grown. They do have wings, but they rarely use them to fly. They are commonly found in the warmer, more humid areas of a home or building, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

These critters can move quickly from place to place using plumbing and pipes as a method of travel, so if you live in an apartment building and your neighbor has an infestation, it could rapidly become your problem to deal with. German cockroaches will eat just about anything they can get their little hands on. Crumbs left out after dinner or dirty dishes in a sink are a major draw for these pests, so it’s incredibly important to keep your kitchen as clean as possible in order to keep these roaches out.

American cockroaches can grow up to three inches long and are reddish brown in color. Male and females can fly, developing their wings as adults. These roaches prefer to be outdoors in warm, damp areas, although they may enter a home in search of food and water. They are often found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and laundry rooms.

When outdoors, American cockroaches feast on leaves, fungi, algae, and small bugs. Once they make their way inside, they are on the hunt for crumbs, spilled food, and even pet food. These roaches run very quickly, and tend to scatter when a light is flipped on. They may even fly if you happen to surprise them.

Oriental cockroaches are shiny black to dark red in color, and may find their way into your home in a number of ways. The adult males are smaller in size with wings, while the females are much longer with no wings. Neither the male nor females fly. These roaches are typically found outdoors, in flower beds, under rocks, or underneath a pile of leaves. They also may be found in storm drains and sewers.

Oriental cockroaches typically feast on garbage and decaying materials, and are very dependent on water. Although they are most often found outdoors, you may find them inside in rooms that are moist, dark, and often left undisturbed during the summer. They prefer cool, damp spaces, so basements and cellars are common hiding spots for them.

Brown-banded cockroaches are small in size in comparison to other invasive cockroaches, measuring just 11-14 mm in length. They can be identified by their wings, which have light brown or tan bands. They prefer a temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit or more, so they are often found in attics and near appliance motors.

While they will eat anything, they actually prefer materials such as stamps, wallpaper glue, and book bindings. They are active most often at night, although you may spot them hunting for food during the day. They may be found inside pantries, closets, and cabinets, and actually avoid water sources, unlike many other roach species.

Any roach infestation, no matter the species, should be dealt with swiftly. Cockroaches are known to spread disease, so it can be dangerous for those living in your home if you happen to have an infestation. Your local pest control specialist will be your best bet for ridding your home of its roach issue as quickly as possible. They will be able to correctly identify the species of roach you are dealing with, which will allow them to properly handle the issue. If you’ve seen just one roach in your home, know there are often many more where that come from. Reach out to a pest control expert in your area to deal with the infestation at once.