Cockroaches are a common household pest, but not all species are the same. Some thrive indoors and pose health concerns, while others live outdoors and play a role in the ecosystem. This guide explores the most well-known types of cockroaches you may come across, with tips on how to identify them and what to do if you suspect an infestation. Western are cockroach control experts, and are on hand for any assistenace you may require.
Telling cockroach species apart can be tough, especially when many look similar at first glance. But there are some physical traits and behaviors that can help narrow it down. We'll walk through some of the most common cockroach species found in the United States and the signs that can help you tell one from another. If you’re struggling to identify an infestation, our Western Exterminator cockroach control technicians can help.
The German cockroach is widely recognized as the most common cockroach in the United States. This species thrives in warm, humid places like kitchens and bathrooms, where food and water are easy to access. Its small size and rapid reproduction rate make it especially hard to control without professional help.
Out of all the types of cockroaches found in U.S. homes, the German cockroach is the one most frequently reported. Spotting even one could signal a larger infestation hiding out of sight. If you think you’ve seen this species in your home or business, contact our pest control experts.
Several types of cockroaches are known to infest homes in the United States. These include the German cockroach, American cockroach, Oriental cockroach, brown-banded cockroach, and sometimes the field cockroach. Each of these species can pose health risks and is drawn to different areas in a home, but what attracts cockroaches?
Some prefer basements and crawl spaces, while others hide in kitchens and bathrooms. Proper identification is key to controlling the infestation effectively. Our technicians can help you pinpoint the issue and recommend a tailored solution.
There are approximately 4,500 different species of cockroaches, 55 of which are found in the United States. Of those 4,500 species, only 30 or so are considered pests.
The six main types of cockroaches commonly found in homes in the United States, and which can be considered pests, are:
Find more detailed information below about the appearance and habits of each species below.
American cockroaches are found worldwide and are one of the largest pest cockroaches to invade homes and commercial properties. American cockroaches have a full set of wings that they sometimes use to fly short distances. However, flight is not their preferred mode of transportation. The American cockroach has a particular affinity for fermented food, so they are commonly found in large commercial buildings that store food. Not only do adult cockroaches like to hang out near food sources, but females often glue their egg sacs in cracks and crevices around food as well. From restaurants to food processing plants to hospitals, this pest goes where the food is.
Brown-banded cockroaches entered the United States in the early 1900s and have since made their way across the country, gravitating toward warmer areas (preferably 80℉+). These cockroaches have brown “bands” that span across their wings and a “liberty bell” shape on their pronotal shield (near the head).
The brown-banded roach is a domestic species, which means they do not live outside and rely solely on conditions created in our homes and buildings for survival. Brown-banded cockroaches feed on a variety of materials including human food, starches, dyes, glue, books, stamps, and clothing.
The brown-banded cockroach will not likely bite, but they can still be dangerous. They are known to carry disease-causing bacteria on their legs and bodies, depositing this throughout your home or business as they travel.
The field cockroach is a small cockroach and likely introduced from Southwest Asia into the United States. Field cockroaches are very similar in appearance to German cockroaches but can be distinguished by the blackish-brown area on the face from the mouthparts to between the eyes. Females may live for more than 200 days, producing between 200 to 300 offspring or six generations a year. The field cockroach can fly, is not repelled by light, and can often be seen during the day.
The German cockroach is found worldwide and is the most common cockroach found in the United States. They like to hide in kitchens and bathrooms, as they prefer warmth and humidity. In these types of environments, German cockroaches develop even faster, speeding the growth of an infestation. Each female produces an average of five egg sacks of 30-40 eggs in her lifetime. German cockroaches do have wings, but they would prefer to run instead of fly. If you have German cockroaches, you may find droppings or fecal staining in the areas where they are hiding. If there are a lot of them, you may smell a mild, musty odor.
The Oriental cockroach is incredibly hardy, able to survive through long periods of freezing weather. In contrast to other species, they actually prefer cool, damp environments, and extreme cold temperatures may drive them into basements and crawl spaces. These cockroaches spend a great deal of time outdoors among garbage and debris. Since they feed on filth, they are even more likely to transmit bacteria than other species, and are known to carry organisms that cause gastroenteritis.
The smokybrown cockroach is commonly found outdoors in the southern United States. The humid environment is ideal for this type of cockroach because it loses moisture much more easily than other species, so the humidity helps prevent it from drying up. To prevent further moisture loss, they try to keep movement to a minimum. Unless it is desperate for food, the smokybrown cockroach will rarely bite. Like the German cockroach, the body parts and feces left behind by this cockroach can be significant allergens. But unlike many of its other cockroach counterparts, the smokybrown is a strong flier. Its wings extend beyond the abdomen, allowing for frequent flight, especially toward light.
Figuring out which types of cockroaches you’re dealing with isn’t always easy. If you’ve spotted signs of cockroach activity or roaches themselves, we’re here to help. Our team will inspect the area, help to identify the species, and recommend a plan that suits your situation. Whether you need residential or commercial pest control, call Western Exterminator at 800-937-8398 to get started.
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