Though many people just refer to them as “roaches”, cockroaches are among the most resilient pests that may enter a house, and there are several kinds with distinct traits. Knowing the different kinds of roaches will help you determine the most effective course of action to eradicate them. This will also enable you to detect infestations more effectively. There are eight typical types of roaches, and this tutorial will help you tell them apart, regardless of whether you are curious or considering hiring a pest control company.
German Cockroach
If you have heard about a roach problem in a restaurant, most certainly, a German cockroach is involved. Common in bathrooms and kitchens, these bugs are well known for their quick spread. About 12 to 16 mm long, light brown, the mature German cockroach boasts two clear dark stripes running down its back, directly behind its head.
German roaches are typically found in houses, restaurants, and hotels since they enjoy warm, humid surroundings. Excellent hitch-hikers, they spread from one place to another in luggage, boxes, or other personal items. If you find tiny brown roaches running around your kitchen late at night, it is most likely this type. Although their small size and speed make them challenging to catch, a pest controller may stop the infestation before it spreads by using professionally-grade bait and traps.
American Cockroach
When people think about scary bugs, the American cockroach usually comes to mind. At lengths of up to 53 mm, this species is the most common cockroach. American roaches resemble figure-eight patterns. They are reddish-brown with a clear yellowish stripe behind their heads.
Although they like warm, wet surroundings like basements, sewers, and crawl spaces, American cockroaches can enter homes via plumbing systems or cracks under doors. Though small, they are fast movers and can fly short distances. Their big, threatening presence is usually enough to make anyone call a pest control company.
Oriental Cockroach
Due to their preference for wet environments, Oriental cockroaches are often called “water bugs.” Usually reaching a length of 20 to 25 mm, they are rather smaller than American cockroaches. These black or rather dark brown roaches have a smooth, glossy feel.
Less often found indoors than their German and American counterparts, oriental cockroaches are more common outdoors. They like cool, moist environments, including basements, drains, and piles of rotting organic matter. A slow, dark roach hiding in a cellar or close to a leaky pipe is most likely an Oriental cockroach. To stop infestations of these roaches, pest controllers may advise keeping the area dry and sealing cracks.
Brown-Banded Cockroach
Brown-banded cockroaches are named for their light brown bands spanning their wings and bodies. Among the tiniest roach species, these small roaches grow up to 14 mm long. Even though their light colouration and bands help to distinguish them from German cockroaches, they can sometimes be confused with them.
Brown-banded roaches, unlike German cockroaches, choose dry, warm parts of the house. You are more likely to find them above, on ceilings, behind picture frames, or inside cupboards. As they hide in appliances and electronics, eradicating them completely is also a challenge.
Smoky Brown Cockroach
Approximately 38 mm long, the sleek, lustrous, smoky brown cockroach is uniformly dark brown or mahogany in colour. Excellent fliers, they can be particularly disruptive in warmer climates. Often found outdoors, smoky brown cockroaches nest in trees, mulch, or woodpiles. However, they might enter homes in search of food or water.
Usually driven to humid surroundings, these roaches are quite susceptible to dehydration. They might enter houses via vents, open windows, or other openings. On a warm evening, if you spot one flying across your porch light or scuttling into your house, it’s time to call a pest controller.
Wood Cockroach
Due to their similar reddish-brown hue, wood cockroaches are often mistaken for American cockroaches. Still, wood cockroaches are smaller – roughly 20 to 30 mm long. Usually found outdoors, under bark, under decaying logs, they have a somewhat transparent, pale border around their bodies.
Unlike other roaches, wood cockroaches rarely invade homes. Though they do not breed or survive long indoors, they may unintentionally wander inside, particularly during the mating season. Because of their outside behaviour, pest controllers may advise cleaning yard trash and keeping firewood far from the house.
Australian Cockroach
Though there are significant distinctions between the two, the Australian cockroach is sometimes confused with the American cockroach. More vivid than their American counterparts, Australian cockroaches have yellowish stripes on their wings. Growing up to 35 mm in length, these roaches are petite.
Often found amid moist vegetation or in greenhouses or gardens, they enjoy warm, tropical temperatures. They prefer warm, humid areas such as utility rooms and attics. Australian cockroaches are especially harmful in outdoor environments since they eat rotting plant matter. If they have troubled your greenhouse or garden, a pest controller might recommend certain outside treatments.
Asian Cockroach
Although they look like German cockroaches, Asian cockroaches behave quite differently. Asian cockroaches are often found outside, especially in gardens and fields, and are strong fliers.
Though they rarely breed indoors, Asian cockroaches are drawn to light and may fly into homes at night. If you find a flying roach close to windows or lights, it is more likely to be an Asian than a German cockroach. Pest controllers may advise insecticide treatments in garden areas or changes to lighting to prevent roaches from drawing in.
When to Call a Pest Controller
You should act if you see any of these roaches in or close to your residence. Although certain species, such as the wood cockroach, might not be especially threatening inside, others, such as the German or American cockroach, can spread rapidly. Expert pest controllers have the skills and knowledge to identify the species and create a precise eradication-focused strategy.
The following are indications that you should call a pest control professional:
Regular roach sightings during the day indicate a significant infestation.
Finding shed skins, egg cases, or droppings in restrooms or kitchens
A pungent, musty smell, is usually associated with major infestations
In addition to spotting entrance points and advising cleaning, baiting, and trapping methods, a pest controller can also help prevent future infestations.
Wrapping It Up
Though they come in different forms and sizes, none of them are welcome visitors. Identifying the type of roach invading your house is the first step toward roach control. A professional pest controller can provide the knowledge and tools necessary. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for expert advice whether you have seen a small, quick German cockroach or a bigger, flying American one. Peace of mind is, after all, considerably more valuable than living in the constant worry of a nighttime encounter with these bothersome creatures.
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