Cockroaches pose a serious threat to human health. They, cockroaches emit allergens that worsen asthma symptoms and transmit disease pathogens that cause diarrhea, typhoid fever, dysentery and food poisoning among other ailments. Cockroaches are also loathed by most people and evoke a stigma that creates the perception that infested homes and businesses are dirty and disgusting. This reputation can have a devastating effect on restaurants, apartment houses’ and homeowners self esteem.

Types of Cockroaches

There are six important cockroach species and many more that are not usually significant to us.

German Cockroach

The German cockroach (Blattela germanica) is the most important. This cockroach is ½” to 5/8” long, usually tan to light brown with two (2) dark stripes on it pronotum (the area directly behind the head). The female may have an egg capsule protruding from the end of her abdomen, each egg capsule contains thirty to forty (30-40) young which can become adults in only fifty (50) days. No wonder they become so numerous in a short time. They are usually found in kitchens and bathrooms.

American Cockroach

The American cockroach (Periplanta Americana) is quite large measuring 1 ¼” to 2 1/8” long this cockroach is also known as the waterbug or palmetto bug. They are found in the north and in the south where they thrive outdoors. American cockroaches are usually a light mahogany color with a light horizontal stripe behind the head on the pronotum. They prefer dark moist areas near food sources.

Australian Cockroach

The Australian cockroach (Periplantea australasiae), typically grow up to 1 ¼” long. They resemble the American cockroach in size and color but they have pale yellow stripes at the base of the wing pads and the forward margin of the pronotum. It is not commonly found indoors but will invade when temperatures are high, it can be brought indoors on house plants.

Oriental Cockroach

The Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) grows up to 1” long and is a shiny dark brown or black; it cannot fly and is a poor climber on smooth surfaces. Oriental cockroaches are very susceptible to dehydration and are usually found in basements and crawl spaces.

Smoky Brown Cockroach

The Smoky brown cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa) is 1 ¼” to 1 ½” long and dark uniform mahogany in color, they are found outdoors in the south, hiding in mulch, leaf litter and ground cover. The smoky brown cockroach is sometimes found dead in houses likely due to dehydration. They typically enter homes through attics and other open spaces.

Brown Banded Cockroach

The Brown banded cockroach (Supella longipalpa) average 5/8” long and are similar in size and appearance except they have two horizontal brown bands on their wings. Brown banded cockroaches inhabit homes across the United States. They prefer warm climates but can be found in structures in any area. Unlike German cockroaches, brown banded cockroaches are usually NOT found in kitchens, they prefer furniture, behind picture frames, light fixtures and dropped ceilings.

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For additional information on cockroaches visit our cockroach control page or email Doc Pickhardt at info@theamericanlawnandtreearborist.com for a free estimate.