Out of the over 4000 cockroach species in the world, 55 are found in the US. Of these 55, only a handful are considered pests. The others are actually beneficial for their environment. In this article, we’re going to focus on the roach species that are likely to infest your home.
German cockroach
German cockroaches are found around the world, and they can be identified by the two stripes that run along their backs. Adults can grow up to be half an inch in length, and this species is mostly found indoors, where they are attracted to wet and humid conditions such as those found in the bathroom or kitchen.
American cockroach
The American cockroach is a very large species, with a top length of 1.5 inches. It has a red-brown coloration, and wings that are longer than the body in the males of the species. Their preferred environments are dark, humid and remote, and as such, they can be found in basements, roof voids, bathrooms, kitchens and subfloors.
Oriental cockroach
The oriental cockroaches grow to about one inch in length, and they are dark brown or even black. The female oriental roach has underdeveloped wings, while in the male, the wings cover about ¾th of the length of the abdomen. They prefer cool and damp environments such as drains, basements and the openings beneath the porch. In terms of diet, they will choose to feed on decaying material and garbage.
Hissing cockroach
The hissing cockroach is a wingless species that relies on its excellent climbing skills to travel. In fact, they are so good at climbing that they are able to scale smooth glass. The hissing roach has an oval shaped body with a shiny brown coloration. Males will have large horns behind their head, while females will only have small bumps. The hissing cockroach is mostly found on forest floors where it can easily hide beneath the litter, but it may also find its way into the home and other buildings, especially if you live near forested areas.
Brown banded cockroach
The brown banded cockroach is also a species that is on the smaller size, reaching up to half an inch in length as an adult. As the name suggests, this roach is identifiable by the yellow/brown stripes that can be seen across their bodies. In terms of environments, the brown banded cockroach prefers warm, humid areas such as those found in heated buildings, particularly in the attics, ceilings, and around appliance motors. They are mostly active at night, and they prefer to eat high starch foods.
Do you have a cockroach infestation?
If you notice any of these species in your home, it’s best to contact a pest control specialist right away. Roach infestations grow rapidly and these pests are known to carry disease and allergens. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.