Cockroach Identification

There are many species of cockroaches, but the four that are most common in our area are the German Cockroach, the Brown-Banded Cockroach, the American Cockroach, and the Oriental Cockroach.

 

	The German cockroach is the most common cockroach infesting homes and businesses in the United States. Adult German cockroaches are about 5/8 of an inch in length. German cockroaches are reddish-brown in overall color, with a distinct longitudinal stripe on the top of the pronotum. They tend to be found in warm, moist areas near ready sources of food. Adults have wings, but do not fly.
	American cockroaches (often incorrectly referred to as "waterbugs" or "palmetto bugs") are about 1 1/2 inches in length and reddish-brown in color, with a pale brown or yellowish margin around the edges of the pronotum. Adults have functional wings and are capable of long glides, but they rarely fly. They are commonly found in dark, moist areas of basements and crawl spaces, under bathtub housings, and in steam tunnels, utility chaseways, sewers, sump areas, boiler rooms, and manholes.
	Brown-banded cockroaches are about 1/2 of an inch in size and are light brown in color, with two distinct, lighter-colored bands running transversely across the base of the wings and the abdomen. Adults of both sexes have wings, and males will fly quite readily when disturbed. Brown-banded prefer dryer conditions than their German cousins, and can often be found infesting furniture, closets, and electronic equipment. They will eat almost anything, but they prefer starchy foods.
	Oriental cockroaches are dark brown or black in color. Adult males are about 1 inch in length; females are slightly longer. The adult males' wings cover about 3/4 of the abdomen, but the adult female (shown at the left) has only short, rudimentary wing pads. Neither males nor females can fly. Oriental cockroaches seem to prefer living outside during warmer months, although they will move inside in times of drought or extreme heat. They are commonly found in basements, sewers, manholes, and storm drains.

 

Choosing the Right Exterminator

Economy Pest Control is an independent, family owned and operated, full-service pest control company serving the Greater Boston area. Presently in our third decade of local ownership, our goal is simple: We want to provide the highest quality professional pest control services, at the fairest possible price. For more information about how we can help you with roaches or any other pest problem, please contact us.