Buzz
Cockroaches will persist long after humans, but that doesn't mean they should invade your home indefinitely. There are four main types of indoor cockroaches considered pests. While your treatment strategy may not vary drastically, knowing the specific type can be helpful. Location is a major clue, but there are other identifying factors to consider.
Steps to Identify Cockroaches
American Cockroach Identification
Spotting an American Cockroach: Look for a critter at least 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) long, typically ranging from 1 1/2 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5.1 cm). They are notably larger than other roach species.
Identify American Cockroaches by Their Distinctive Red-Brown Color
Check for American Cockroaches Munching on Moist Food
Search for Brown or Black Egg Casings from American Cockroaches
Observe American Cockroaches Preferring Damp, Warm Areas
Spotting Fully-Grown American Cockroaches: Check for Wings
German Cockroach Identification
Observing the Length of a German Cockroach
Identifying German Cockroaches by Dark Stripes on Their Backs
Finding German Cockroaches in Moist, Warm Areas
Search for German Cockroaches in Cracks and Crevices
Spotting German Cockroaches Moving Through Small Openings
Identifying German Cockroach Infestations by Grouped Sightings
Recognize German Cockroaches' Versatile Diet
Finding Cylindrical Brown Egg Cases from German Cockroaches
Oriental Cockroach Identification
Checking Size: Is the Oriental Cockroach at Least 1 Inch Long?
Recognizing the Dark Color of Oriental Cockroaches
Noting the Wings of Oriental Cockroaches
Finding Oriental Cockroaches in Moist Environments
Oriental Cockroaches' Versatile Diet: Catch Them Eating Anything
Identifying Dark Brown Egg Casings from Oriental Cockroaches
Spotting Oriental Cockroaches Entering Through Various Openings
Brown-Banded Cockroach Identification
Finding Small Brown-Banded Cockroaches in Your Home
Spotting the Yellow-Brown Band on Brown-Banded Cockroaches
Finding Warm Areas Where Brown-Banded Cockroaches May Reside
Identifying Brown-Banded Cockroaches by Their Avoidance of Water Sources
Observing Brown-Banded Cockroaches' Ability to Fly
Locating Brown-Banded Cockroach Egg Cases on Various Surfaces
Brown-Banded Cockroaches' Varied Diet: They Eat Almost Anything
Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach Identification
Checking for Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches in Recently Brought Firewood
Spotting Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches Based on Size
Identifying Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches by Their Coloration
Observing Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches' Flying Behavior
Spotting Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches Feeding on Decaying Matter
Identifying Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach Egg Capsules
Tips
- Dispose of extra cardboard boxes and newspapers to prevent cockroach nesting.
- Inspect boxes and containers from outside to avoid bringing in eggs or cockroaches.
- Store food in airtight containers if you have a cockroach problem to prevent disease contamination.
