4 Common Types of Cockroaches in the U.S

There are more than 4,500 species of cockroaches in the world. Does that statement have you cringing and crinkling your nose in disgust? Well, here's some good news to make you feel a little better. Only four of those species of cockroaches regularly take up residence in U.S. homes. Learning a bit about each of them will ensure you take the best approach to control and elimination.

Of the four common household cockroach species, this one is the most common. German cockroaches are about a half inch long and medium brown in color. They have two darker stripes in the region just behind their heads, and these stripes run vertically down their bodies. German cockroaches are not picky eaters and will dine on soap, wallpaper, and old books if they cannot find food scraps.

German cockroaches prefer warm, wet places, and they are often present in large numbers. It's common to find them in housing complexes and apartment buildings. Because they are known to spread bacterial diseases and parasites, it's important to take an infestation seriously. Use insecticides and work on removing moisture and food sources.

If the insects you're seeing are reddish brown with yellowish bands behind their head, then they are probably American cockroaches. This species can grow up to 2 inches in length. American cockroaches prefer to live outdoors, but they will come inside in search of food and water if they are unable to find these necessities outside. Like German cockroaches, they can spread disease to humans and pets.

Getting rid of American cockroaches involves treating your home with insecticides and taking measures to ensure they can't enter your home again. Look for any cracks or crevices that allow access into your home and seal them completely with caulk or patching.

These dark brown or black cockroaches are very distinct. They can reach up to 1 inch in length but are often smaller. Although all roaches can give off a musty odor, Oriental cockroaches tend to be more odoriferous than other types. They live outside in piles of leaves and under logs, but they may enter a home if it's warm and moist. 

Oriental cockroaches prefer decaying food and starchy foods. They are also very dependent on water. For these reasons, they can be a bit easier to eliminate than other roach species. Extermination efforts must focus on keeping food contained, managing the garage, drying out the home, and cleaning up any landscaping debris near the home.

These roaches are often confused with German cockroaches. Like the German cockroach, they are about a half inch long and brown in color. Unlike the German roach, they have dark bands on their wings - German cockroaches have dark bands just behind their heads.

Brown-banded cockroaches only live indoors. They are often brought into a home in furniture or secondhand items from a home that was infested. They are not picky eaters and will feed on items like stamps and wallpaper glue when desperate. Brown-banded roaches, unlike other roach species, prefer dryer areas. You may find them behind a stove or in a ceiling - rather than in a basement or bathroom.

To get rid of brown-banded cockroaches, it's usually best to use roach bait. The whole home, and not just moist areas, needs to be treated. 

If you notice cockroaches in your home, it's important to determine what species they belong to so you can take the proper extermination measures. Contact Pest Control Supply Co. to learn about our DIY cockroach control kits that will help you get rid of these pesky insects.