Different Types of Cockroaches

Cockroaches are the most resilient and adaptable creatures on the planet. Despite being associated with filth and disease, these creatures are a wide and diverse range of species with unique characteristics.

These creatures have long been a sense of fear for humans. Remember the spine-chilling scene from the movie “Men in Black” where a giant alien cockroach assumes the form of an unsuspecting farmer?

But beyond the realm of horror flicks and household pests lies a world of diversity. Prepare to be amazed as we embark on exploring the different types of cockroaches that roam our planet.

From tenacious German cockroaches to formidable American cockroaches, every species has its own story.

So, start reading.

The World of Common Cockroaches

Embark on a captivating journey into common cockroaches, where we unveil the secrets of peridomestic species, showcasing their adaptability and distinctive habits.

Meet the infamous German cockroach (Blattella germanica), a persistent house cockroach that thrives in kitchens, and the formidable American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), known for its imposing size and affinity for warm spaces.

Not only this, dive into the scientific nuances by identifying Megaloblatta longipennis, the largest cockroach. This comprehensive guide navigates through effective pest management, including the strategic use of cockroach baits tailored to specific species.

Gain insights into the art of deciphering cockroach droppings, a crucial skill for infestation control. Explore the intriguing world of young cockroaches, understanding their growth stages and behavior.

Types of Cockroaches in Kitchen

Cockroaches live in various locations of your home, including the kitchen. A variety of cockroaches can infest your kitchen, interrupting all of your cooking tasks.

The following is a list of cockroaches known to reside in the kitchen more frequently than other species.

1. German Cockroaches

German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) are perhaps the most well-known cockroach species. Their small size, light brown coloration, and ability to breed quickly make them the most common household pests.

German cockroaches are primarily found in warm and humid environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

These types of cockroaches are scavengers, and they eat everything humans do. That’s why they are usually found in the kitchen and pantries. They hide in the cracks and crevices near cabinets and pantries or under stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers.

German cockroaches possess high reproductive potential, with the female being able to produce 300 offspring in a lifetime.

Their ability to hide in smaller areas and resistance to many insecticides contribute to making them the most notorious domestic pests.

2. American Cockroaches

American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) are another species known for their large size and brown color. These roaches are the type of cockroach with yellow stripes.

Despite their name, they’re not native to America but originated in Africa. These cockroaches prefer warm and humid environments and reside in basements and gardens. Even though American cockroaches are usually found outside the house, they can also infest your home.

American cockroaches are also a threat to your health as they can spread diseases like asthma and trigger allergies. They live in sewers, storm drains, stream tunnels, trash bins, and gardens outside the house. While indoors, they hide in laundry rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.

One notable characteristic of American cockroaches is their ability to fly and their impressive speed. They are scavengers and feed on the decay of organic materials, plants, and other insects.

3. Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches (Blatta orientalis), known as the water bug or black beetles, love to live in a warm environment.

Unlike the other species, oriental cockroaches are larger, darker, and lack the wings that make them incapable of flying.

These creatures often live in drains, sinks, and sewers and feed on decaying material. You can also find them near leaky pipes and under refrigerators.

To prevent them from coming into the house, you need to repair leaks and solve plumbing problems as soon as they arise. Moreover, store your food in safe places or use pest-proof containers to keep it safe.

Small Types of Cockroaches

Some cockroach species are small in size compared to the other types.

Following are the small types of cockroaches:

1. Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Brown-banded cockroaches (Supelli longipalpa) are smaller cockroaches with a length of 1 ⁄ 2 inches.

They have light brown or tan coloration and distinctive banding patterns across their wings and abdomen.

Brown-banded cockroaches prefer a drier environment and can be found in cabinets, closets, and other areas away from moisture.

2. Asian Cockroaches

Asian cockroaches (Blattella asahinai) are similar to German cockroaches and smaller in size, measuring about ½ inches long.

They are brown in color and have parallel strips on their protonium.

These cockroaches are known for their ability to fly and are attached to lights, making them pesky household pests.

3. Smoky Brown Cockroaches

Smoky Brown cockroaches are slightly larger than the other small types of cockroaches, with their height being 1 to 1.5 inches.

However, they’re included here as they’re relatively smaller than the other species.

Typically, these cockroaches stay outdoors but can accidentally enter your house through open doors, windows, and unsealed gaps. They’re dark brown or mahogany in color and have a shiny appearance.

Smoky brown cockroaches are often found in humid areas such as attics and crawl places.

Types of Flying Cockroaches

While not all cockroach species are capable of flying, some have the ability to fly or glide short distances.

Here are the types of flying cockroaches:

• Australian Cockroaches

The Australian cockroach is a species commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.

They are capable of flying and often do so when disturbed or seeking food. Australian cockroaches have a reddish-brown color and are slightly smaller than the American cockroach.

• Cuban Cockroaches

Cuban cockroaches (Panchlora nivea) are also known as green cockroaches or banana cockroaches.

These tiny species are often found in tropical or subtropical regions. Cuban cockroaches are 1 inch long and have wings. However, they’re not strong fliers and are best known for their hopping ability.

Wood Roach Vs. Cockroach

Wood roaches, also known as wooden cockroaches, are one of the types of cockroaches present in outdoor environments, particularly in wooded areas.

While they share some similarities with other species of cockroaches, they have a few distinct characteristics and behaviors that set them apart.

Following are some key points of wood roach vs. cockroach:

• Habitat

Wood roaches often live in outdoor areas such as forests, tree trunks, and woodpiles.

They prefer natural environments and aren’t commonly found indoors.

In contrast, household cockroach species like German and American cockroaches are adapted to living in human-made structures such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.

• Size and Appearance

Wood roaches are generally larger than other cockroach species.

They can range from ½ to 2 cm in length, similar to a field cockroach. They have a flattened body, long antennae, and typically light or dark brown color.

In comparison, household cockroaches come in various sizes depending on the species. But they’re smaller in size and have different color patterns.

• Behavior

Wood roaches are more likely to be attracted to natural foods like decaying foods, leaves, and other rotting organic materials.

They’re less likely to be drawn to human food or garbage, the most common food source for household cockroaches.

Wood roaches are also more likely to fly when disturbed, while many household cockroach species are not strong fliers.

• Indoor Infestations

Wood roaches are not known for infesting indoor spaces. However, they may occasionally wander indoors by accident through open doors or windows, especially during warm weather.

In contrast, household cockroach species are well-adapted to indoor environments and can quickly infest homes, apartments, and other buildings.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Dealing with a cockroach infestation can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to get rid of them. Here’s a guide to help you address the issue:

• Keep your Home Clean

Maintain a clean-living environment by regularly sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping floors, wiping down surfaces, and taking out the trash regularly. So, clean up spills and crumbs promptly.

• Use Insecticides Sprays

Insecticide sprays can be used as a complement to the other control methods. Look for the specifically labeled cockroach sprays and apply them in the area where cockroaches are likely to hide, such as cracks, crevices, and baseboards. Don’t forget to follow the instructions and precautions given by the manufacturer.

• Consult a Professional Service

If you have a severe infestation and you’re not able to get rid of it on your own, it’s necessary to seek help from a professional cockroach control service. They’re armed with the knowledge and expertise to effectively eliminate the infestation.

Conclusion

Cockroaches, with their remarkable adaptability and diversity, manage to survive and thrive in different environments around the world.

From the persistent pests that invade our homes to the intriguing species in the remote areas of the Earth, each species brings unique characteristics and adaptations to the table.

By understanding their biology and habits, you can develop effective strategies for pest management. You can use a variety of do-it-yourself methods to rid your home of cockroaches. However, obtaining expert assistance is the best option.

AlienWerks Pest Management offers exceptional pest control services and assists you in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Call us immediately if filthy cockroaches have infested your house.w