Here’s how to tell what type of cockroaches are invading a home based on their looks and behavior.
How to Identify Different Types of Cockroaches
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American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
Also identified as the water bug, the American cockroach is one of the most common pests infesting homes in the United States. Reddish-brown in color, this cockroach is large and fast, making it quite the nuisance for homeowners. Not only do American cockroaches reproduce quickly, but they also live longer than most, with an average lifespan of two years.
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German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)
The most common cockroach in the world, the German cockroach causes many problems. While they struggle to survive in colder climates, they easily find shelter, often invading commercial establishments such as restaurants, hotels and nursing homes.
Their color varies from light brown to near black, and their half-inch body allows them to enter small and tight spaces. Given their ability to reproduce faster than any other roach, you must get rid of this pest as quickly as possible.
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Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)
Also known as the “black beetle,” the oriental cockroach carries a darker coloration, ranging from brown to nearly all black. This roach loves the water, seeking moist locations such as sewers, sinks, drains, bushes and leaf piles.
Oriental cockroach infestations can be challenging, as they lay their eggs in small, hard-to-reach places like cracks and crevices. Sometimes these types of cockroaches require more aggressive treatment to help resolve their intrusions.
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Smokybrown Cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginous)
Slightly smaller than the American cockroach and with a reddish-brown exterior, smokybrown roaches can be found in subtropical environments such as Texas, Florida and the rest of the Southeast. Primarily outdoor insects, these pests enter the home when attracted to night lights, food or shelter.
One of the more aerial species of cockroaches, the smokybrown, is common in trees and house roofs, flying from place to place in search of its next ideal home.
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Brown-Banded Cockroach (Supella longipalpa)
If you find cockroaches in a bedroom or living room, you may be encountering the brown-banded cockroach. This species differs from other roaches in that they don’t require as much moisture to survive.
Therefore, you can find them in dry and warm locations like the living room, hiding under furniture. Distinguishable by two bands around their wings and abdomen, the brown-banded cockroach can be found all over the U.S., particularly in the Northeast, Midwest and South.
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Florida Woods Cockroach (Eurycotis floridana)
A slow outdoor species, the Florida woods cockroach can be found outside the home in wood piles, sheds and gardens, usually in the Southeast. It’s known for its clear, hardened back and color ranging from reddish-brown to nearly all black.
Partially due to its larger size and lack of wings, the Florida woods cockroach is slow to move and escape danger. They feast on decaying plant life and can potentially create problems in the yard.
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Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach (Parcoblatta pensylvanica)
With color ranging from light brown to nearly black, the Pennsylvania wood cockroach is a common outdoor pest in the eastern U.S. and Central America. These roaches prefer to live outdoors in wood, leaf piles and other locations with decaying organic matter.
However, they can be attracted to the light and food within the home. These types of cockroaches often hitch a ride in garbage and firewood. If bringing anything into the house, check first that this little critter isn’t getting a free ride.
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Asian Cockroach (Blattella asahinai)
Similar in appearance to the German cockroach, the Asian cockroach is a more recent inhabitant of the United States, invading homes since the 1980s.
Indoor infestations from this cockroach are rare since they are frequent fliers who spend most of their time outdoors. A landscaping roach, Asian cockroaches are commonly found in mulch and leaf piles, gardens and other places where organic matter is around.
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Australian Cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae)
Similar yet slightly smaller than the American roach, the Australian cockroach is a common pest in tropical areas. Intolerant to the cold, this pest can survive in moist and dry environments. While homeowners may find roaches on the outside layers of the home, they can be attracted indoors by food.
The Australian cockroach is relatively fast, getting where it needs to be quickly and efficiently. They also get around to places all over the world, scavenging in shipments and other forms of transportation.
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Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa)
One of the largest roaches in the order, the Madagascar hissing cockroach is one you might have seen in the movies. Its long and hard exterior, combined with its reddish-brown color, distinguishes it from others of its kind.
The most defining feature is the roach’s ability to hiss when disturbed, mating or fighting. While invasive and not typically welcomed in the home, this cockroach is actually a popular pet for some.
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Flying Cockroaches
Many types of cockroaches have wings and a few actually fly. Common flying cockroaches include the Asian, smokybrown, American, Australian and Pennsylvania wood cockroaches. For the most part, roaches only fly short distances, with some even just gliding from higher to lower surfaces.
Flying cockroaches will be attracted to the light, entering homes especially at night. If scared or in danger, the true aerial roaches will use their flight to escape those situations.
FAQ
Do different species spread disease differently?
Yes, how a cockroach spreads disease will depend on its preferred living environment and behaviors. Some will spread disease through regurgitating food, others by leaving contaminated droppings and still others by walking on food storage and prep areas. Cockroaches can also live together, compounding their danger.
How can I confirm the species I have?
Observe a cockroach’s size, color and wing shape and preferred habitat, then consult a field guide or online identification resource to identify the species.
About the Expert
- Ian Williams is a board-certified entomologist who specializes in urban entomology and is a technical services manager for Rollins Inc.
