Guide to the Different Types of Cockroaches

Cockroaches are pretty incredible insects! They’ve been around for millions of years and are even older than dinosaurs, according to fossil records. There are more than 4,500 different species of cockroaches known in the world, and experts suspect there are even more waiting to be discovered. Of the many types, there are only a few likely to require pest control in your home.

Like nearly all insects, cockroaches have six legs, two antennae, and three body parts: head, thorax, and abdomen. They vary in size from less than an inch to a little over 2 inches in length and have wings, but are not necessarily fliers. Their color varies slightly depending on species but ranges between reddish-brown to black. Cockroaches are sometimes mistaken for beetles, and vice versa.

While characteristics can vary depending on the species, adult male and female cockroaches can typically be distinguished by their size, shape, and behavior. Males are generally smaller with longer, slender bodies and wings that extend past the abdomen, and they are more active, often seen scurrying around. In contrast, females are larger with shorter, oval-shaped bodies and wings that may not fully cover the abdomen, and they are less mobile, preferring to stay hidden.

For pest control to be effective, you need to know what kind of infestation you’re dealing with. Different types of roaches need to be treated differently. Below we’ll explore the common cockroaches you’re most likely to encounter and what you need to do to get rid of them.

6 Common Cockroach Species in Homes

Your house is more than just your home; it is its own little ecosystem filled with biodiversity. This may sound a little alarming, but the average home has around 100 different species of arthropods inside. Insects, spiders, centipedes, and mites have found ways to coexist with people. These common pests survive and thrive alongside us, usually escaping our notice.

Cockroaches, however, are hard for most homeowners to ignore! While there are thousands of different types in the world, only about 70 species are typically found in the United States. An even smaller number makes up the different types of house roaches you may encounter. Here are some of the most common types you may find your home:

• American Cockroach
• Asian Cockroach
• Brown-banded Cockroach
• German Cockroach
• Oriental Cockroach
• Smokybrown Cockroach

Below, we’ll go into detail about each type, arming you with what you need to know to prevent or get rid of an infestation.

American Cockroach

Periplaneta americana

The American Cockroach has also been referred to as the “Bombay canary,” “water bug,” and “palmetto bug,” and is the largest type of house cockroach, reaching over 2 inches in length! It has fully developed reddish-brown wings but is not a strong flier, although it can glide. These pests prefer warmer climates, often living in sewers, and frequently enter homes through basements or drains. They prefer temperatures over 70 degrees and cannot survive extended periods below freezing.

Females only need to mate once to produce multiple oothecae, or egg cases. They need to constantly forage and feed to nourish and sustain their eggs, stopping only to deposit the egg case. Oothecae contain 16 eggs and are typically glued to a rough surface in an inconspicuous area, then covered with scraps of material to help it blend into its surroundings. Eggs take 30-40 days to develop before hatching.

Asian Cockroach

Blattella asahinai

The Asian Cockroach was first detected in America in the 1980s; it has since spread from Florida throughout the Southeast and as far west as Texas, along the Mexico border. It closely resembles the German Cockroach in appearance but behaves very differently. This type prefers to live outdoors in leaf litter or grassy areas and is an excellent flier. It rarely enters homes except during dark or dusky periods when it may be attracted to interior lighting.

Brownbanded Cockroach

Supella longipalpa

As the name implies, the Brownbanded Cockroach is brown in color with 2 light brown or yellowish bands across the body and wings. It is only about ½ an inch in length and is completely dependent on human habitat for survival. In homes, this species can be found throughout the residence, including bedrooms, behind items hung on walls, and underneath furniture, earning it the nickname “furniture roach.” This cockroach is adapted to higher temperatures, and pest populations have been reduced as air-conditioning in homes has become more widespread.

German Cockroach

Blattella germanica

The German Cockroach is found all over the world and is most commonly found in and around homes, apartments, supermarkets, restaurants, and food processing facilities. They tend to gather in kitchens and bathrooms, preferring areas with daily access to water. It is about ½ an inch in length, brown in color, and has 2 stripes that run lengthwise along the top of the thorax. This type is not known to exist in the wild and only lives alongside human habitat or man-made livestock structures.

Oriental Cockroach

Oriental orientalis

Also known as the “black beetle,” the Oriental Cockroach is typically dark reddish-brown to black and about an inch long. They are attracted to shady, wet areas, preferring damp and dark spaces like basements, cellars, and crawlspaces. Although they are slow-moving on smooth surfaces such as vinyl floors, they have been known to climb up water pipes, air ducts, and garbage chutes to reach the upper levels of apartment buildings.

These cockroaches can tolerate cooler temperatures, even surviving outdoors in temperate winters, but their choice climate is between 68–84 degrees. This is evidenced by their seasonality, as local populations tend to decrease in the winter months and then rapidly swell throughout the summer.

Smokybrown Cockroach

Periplaneta fuliginosa

Although smaller than the American Cockroach, the Smokybrown type is still quite large, measuring 1–1.5 inches long. These roaches have shiny, dark brown, or mahogany coloring and are strong fliers. It prefers warm, humid climates and can be found throughout the Southern states; it is notably the most common species caught in north-central Florida homes

Signs of a Cockroach Infestation

Signs of a cockroach infestation include droppings or feces near food preparation areas like refrigerators and pantries, a musty, oily odor, and sightings of cockroaches in dark, secluded spots behind appliances, in crevices, under sinks near water sources, or in basement areas. Being nocturnal, they forage at night, leaving behind small black pellets, smear marks, or egg cases (oothecae). If you notice these signs, act quickly to prevent the infestation from spreading, as cockroaches can carry allergens, bacteria, and pathogens like Salmonella, leading to serious health concerns.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Try the following methods to get rid of cockroaches around your home:

1. Eliminate food and water sources:

• Clean up crumbs, food scraps, and spills immediately.
• Store food in sealed containers.
• Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
• Ensure trash bins are tightly sealed.
• Fix any leaks around pipes, sinks, and faucets.
• Avoid leaving standing water in trays under refrigerators or dishwashers.

2. Seal entry points:

• Check for cracks or gaps in walls, windows, and doors.
• Seal any cracks with caulk
• Use weather stripping around doors and windows to block entry.

3. Target existing cockroaches:

• Use botanical deterrents like Stay Away® Ants & Cockroaches to repel cockroaches.
• Keep using once the infestation is cleared to prevent future pest problems.

While many people resort to insecticides, recent studies indicate they are often ineffective in the long run due to cockroaches’ resistance to chemicals. Pesticides can also be harmful to children, pets, and the environment. Instead of relying on pesticides, focus on maintaining a clean environment and using natural remedies.

Keep Them Away from Your Home

Stay Away® Ants & Cockroaches is a botanical deterrent used to keep both of these pest types away from homes. The pouches are made using a combination of plant-derived essential oils and other botanical ingredients to create a smell that deters these pests and keeps them from returning. The pouches are fast-acting and help to preserve nature’s ecosystem by providing a no-kill alternative.

Shop online or in a store near you.