Cockroach Identification & Control

German Cockroach

German cockroaches (Blatella germanica) are the most common species in the United States. They are prolific breeders and their small size allows them to enter through cracks as small as 1/16″.

This species is attracted to warmth and humidity. They are often spotted darting beneath sinks, kitchen appliances, toaster ovens, and heat-producing electronic equipment.

Size: 1/2″ – 5/8″ (13 – 16 mm)

Color: Light brown or tan

Identifying Features:

• 2 parallel dark bands on the plated structure (pronotum) behind its head
• 2 pairs of wings but cannot fly
• 2 short, outward-pointing appendages (cerci) extending from the rear
• Long, thread-like antennae
• 6 spiny legs

American Cockroach

American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) are the largest household roach species in the United States. Outdoors, they are commonly found around gardens, garbage, and sewers. Indoors, they gather in areas with high moisture and humidity, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and boiler rooms.

Plumbing issues are often linked to American cockroach infestations, as they thrive in damp environments.

Size: 1.1″ – 2.1″ (30 – 54 mm)

Color: Reddish brown

Identifying Features:

• A pale brown or yellow halo around the edges of the plated structure (pronotum) behind its head
• 2 pairs of wings and can fly short distances when temperatures exceed 85 °F
• 2 short, outward-pointing appendages (cerci) extending from the rear
• Long, thread-like antennae
• 6 spiny legs

Oriental Cockroach

Oriental cockroaches (Blatta orientalis) are typically an outdoor species, often found around sewers, storm drains, gutters, and landscaping beds. While less common indoors, they may seek shelter in dark, damp, and cool areas like basements and crawlspaces.

This species is notorious for producing a foul, musty odor that is significantly worse than other cockroach species.

Size: 4/5″ – 1″ (22 – 27 mm)

Color: Black or dark brown

Identifying Features:

• A smooth, oval body that appears dark and shiny
• Males have 2 pairs of short wings covering 3/4 of the abdomen and cannot fly
• Females are wingless
• 2 short, outward-pointing appendages (cerci) extending from the rear
• Long, thread-like antennae
• 6 spiny legs

Brown-Banded Cockroach

Brown-banded cockroaches (Supella longipalpa) are small, brown roaches that prefer warm, dry, and high places. They commonly nest in furniture, shelves, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, ceiling light fixtures, picture frames, and behind wallpaper.

Size: 2/5″ – 1/2″ (10 – 14 mm)

Color: Light-to-medium brown

Identifying Features:

• Distinctive brown bands running horizontally across the wings and abdomen
• Males have 2 pairs of long wings and are able to fly short distances
• Females have 2 pairs of short wings and cannot fly
• 2 short, outward-pointing appendages (cerci) extending from the rear
• Long, thread-like antennae
• 6 spiny legs

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Here are some steps to manage or control cockroaches at home. While these strategies alone may not completely eliminate them (effective cockroach control often requires a multipronged approach), they will help reduce the population by creating a less hospitable environment.

Cleaning and Decluttering

Cockroaches are constantly searching for food, water, and shelter. Regular cleaning helps eliminate food sources and potential hiding spots, making your home less attractive to them.

• Reduce clutter.
• Vacuum or sweep frequently to remove crumbs and debris.
• Use a crevice tool to vacuum behind and underneath kitchen appliances like fridges and stoves.
• Keep counters and sinks free of food residue. Scrub grease and food stains from frequently-used appliances like microwaves, toasters, and stovetops.
• Clean up spills and leaks immediately.
• Don’t leave dirty dishes or pet food out overnight.
• Store food in clear, resealable containers.
• Replace cardboard boxes with plastic bins.

Keeping Your Home Dry

Keeping your home clean and dry is key, especially in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Cockroaches can survive for a month without food, but they need water—American and Oriental cockroaches, in particular, are drawn to moisture and humidity.

• Fix leaky pipes and dripping faucets to eliminate standing water.
• Vent bathroom steam by opening windows after a shower.
• Close drains with a rubber or metal drain cover when not in use.
• Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements or crawl spaces.

Managing Garbage

Cockroaches are highly sensitive to smells, detecting subtle odors using their antennae. Garbage, especially food waste like meat scraps and decomposing fruits or vegetables, is particularly attractive to them.

• Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.
• Take out kitchen trash nightly.
• Rinse and dry recyclables before placing them in bins.
• Clean garbage cans and recycling bins regularly to reduce odors.

Exclusion (Sealing)

Cockroaches can enter through cracks as small as 1/8 inch. American cockroaches, for example, often get inside through exterior cracks, drains, vents, and utility lines.

• Look for cracks and gaps near baseboards, behind appliances, near sinks and tubs, and around plumbing lines.
• Seal entry points with caulk, mesh, or expansion foam.
• Install door sweeps to close gaps under exterior doors.
• Inspect packages, furniture, and appliances before bringing them inside.

Recommended Products

A common mistake people make is turning to pesticides first. Store-bought pesticide sprays only kill a small number of cockroaches and won’t stop an infestation. Over time, they may also develop resistance to these sprays.

It’s best to use non-chemical pest control methods first. When using pesticides, follow label instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective use.

Boric Acid and Diatomaceous Earth

Insect dusts like boric acid and diatomaceous earth (DE) are effective at killing wandering cockroaches. Lightly sprinkle these powders in areas where cockroaches frequently travel.

• Boric acid: Sticks to the cockroaches’ bodies and is ingested during grooming, attacking their digestive and nervous systems.
• Diatomaceous earth (DE): Made of sharp microscopic particles that damage cockroaches’ exoskeletons, causing moisture loss and dehydration.

If you plan to use DE, make sure it’s labeled “Food Grade” and follow safety instructions to avoid skin irritation or respiratory issues.

Gel Baits and Bait Stations

Baits are ideal for addressing persistent infestations. They contain slow-acting insecticides that cockroaches bring back to their nests, spreading the poison to others. While they won’t kill all roaches, you should see a noticeable reduction over time.

Placement is key—in order to get cockroaches to take the bait, place it around harborage areas and active pathways. Gel baits are particularly effective because they can be dispensed in small cracks and hard-to-reach areas.

Glue Traps

Glue traps are useful for controlling cockroach populations and monitoring activity levels. However, they are limited by their placement and will not resolve an infestation on their own. For best results, place them in areas where roaches are active and are likely to travel, such as along baseboards, under sinks, and behind appliances and furniture.

Pesticides

When using pesticides, follow the instructions on the label carefully to protect people and pets. Improper use can lead to symptoms like headaches, nausea, or vomiting.

• Use no more than the recommended amount.
• Only use pesticides for insects or pests listed on the label.
• Store pesticides and place traps out of reach of children and pets.

Where Do Cockroaches Come From?

Cockroaches commonly enter homes through small gaps around windows and doors, cracks in walls, and poorly sealed utility lines. In apartment buildings, they easily spread between units via common walls, ceilings, vents, ducts, and pipes.

German cockroaches, in particular, often get inside by hitching a ride in packages, boxes, luggage, laundry, grocery bags, or used furniture.

What Attracts Them?

Cockroaches have a sharp sense of smell, using olfactory receptors on their antennae to detect food odors from garbage, crumbs, spills, dirty dishes, and greasy stovetops.

Water is also crucial for their survival. American cockroaches, for example, are drawn to humid areas. They are often found nesting in places like boiler rooms.

Need help getting rid of cockroaches? Our experts can handle even the toughest of infestations, keeping your home or business free of these unsanitary pests.

Cockroach Control Services

• Treatment and Assessment
• Spraying, Baiting, and Trapping
• ULV Treatment (Aggressive)
• Proofing (Exclusion)