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. German cockroaches are often seen darting underneath sinks, kitchen appliances, toaster ovens, and other heat-producing electronic equipment.

Appearance: Long, oval-shaped insect with 6 spiny legs, threadlike (filiform) antennae, 2 pairs of wings, and a pair of short, outward-pointing appendages (cerci) extending from the rear

Size: 1/2″ – 5/8″ long (13 – 16 mm)

Color: Light brown or tan

Identifying Features:

• 2 parallel dark bands on the plated structure (pronotum) behind its head
• Cannot fly

American Cockroach

American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) are the largest species of household roaches in the United States. Outdoors, they are usually found around gardens, garbage, and sewers. Indoors, they congregate in areas with high levels of moisture and humidity, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, boiler rooms, and other mechanical rooms.

Plumbing issues in particular are associated with American cockroach infestations.

Appearance: Long, oval-shaped insect with 6 spiny legs, threadlike (filiform) antennae, 2 pairs of wings, and a pair of short, outward-pointing appendages (cerci) extending from the rear

Size: 1.1″ – 2.1″ long (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 large pairs of wings that are capable of short-distance flight when temperatures exceed 85 °F

Oriental Cockroach

Oriental cockroaches (Blatta orientalis) are normally an outdoor species that live around sewers, storm drains, gutters, and landscaping beds. They’re not as common indoors, but occasionally may seek shelter in dark, damp, cool areas such as basements and crawlspaces.

This species is notorious for producing a foul, musty odor that smells much worse than other cockroaches.

Appearance: Long, oval-shaped insect with 6 spiny legs, threadlike (filiform) antennae, and a pair of short, outward-pointing appendages (cerci) extending from the rear

Size: 4/5″ – 1″ long (22 – 27 mm)

Color: Black or dark brown

Identifying Features:

• Appears smooth, dark, and shiny
• Males have short wings that cover 3/4 of the abdomen, while females are wingless
• Cannot fly

Brown-Banded Cockroach

Brown-banded cockroaches (Supella longipalpa) are small, brown roaches with a preference for warm, dry, and high places. Common nesting areas include furniture, shelves, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, ceiling light fixtures, picture frames, and wallpaper.

Appearance: Long, oval-shaped insect with 6 spiny legs, threadlike (filiform) antennae, 2 pairs of wings, and a pair of short, outward-pointing appendages (cerci) extending from the rear

Size: 2/5″ – 1/2″ long (10 – 14 mm)

Color: Light-to-medium brown

Identifying Features:

• Distinctive brown bands running horizontally across the wings and abdomen
• Males have long wings and are able to fly short distances
• Females have short wings and cannot fly

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Here are some steps to manage or control cockroaches at home. While these strategies might not get rid of them for good (effective cockroach control often requires a multipronged approach), they will reduce their population by creating a less hospitable environment for these pests.

Cleaning and Decluttering

Cockroaches are constantly on the hunt for food, water, and shelter. Regular cleaning helps remove food sources and potential hiding spots, making your home less attractive to these pests.

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

Keeping Your Home Dry

Keep all areas of the house clean and dry, especially basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Cockroaches can survive up to a month without food as long as there’s water available. American and Oriental cockroaches, in particular, are drawn to sources of moisture and humidity.

• Fix leaky pipes and dripping faucets to eliminate standing water.
• After a shower, open bathroom windows to vent the steam.
• 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 sensitive to smells, using olfactory receptors in their antennae to detect subtle odors in their surroundings. Garbage containing food waste, such as meat scraps and decomposing fruits or vegetables, is especially attractive to cockroaches.

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

Exclusion (Sealing)

Cockroaches can enter your home through cracks less than 1/8″ wide. In particular, American cockroaches often get inside through exterior cracks, drains, vents, and utility lines.

• Look for cracks and gaps near baseboards where the floor meets the wall, behind kitchen appliances, near sinks and tubs, and around radiators and plumbing lines.
• Seal potential entry points with caulk, mesh, or expansion foams.
• Install door sweeps to close gaps underneath exterior doors.
• Inspect packages, furniture, and appliances before bringing them inside.

Recommended Products

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

Try using non-chemical pest control products and methods before resorting to pesticides, and do so in a safe manner by carefully following instructions on the label.

Boric Acid and Diatomaceous Earth

Insect dusts, namely boric acid and diatomaceous earth (DE), work well for killing wandering cockroaches. These powdery substances should be lightly sprinkled in areas where cockroaches frequently travel through.

• Boric acid clings to their bodies and becomes ingested during grooming, where it attacks their digestive and nervous systems.
• DE is made of razor-sharp microscopic particles that scrapes away at their exoskeletons. This causes moisture to escape from their bodies, leading to dehydration.

If you plan to use DE, make sure that it says “Food Grade” on the label. Carefully follow the safety instructions to avoid improper use, which may result in skin irritation and respiratory issues if inhaled.

Gel Baits and Bait Stations

Baits are great for treating persistent infestations. They contain slow-acting insecticides that cockroaches bring back to their nests, spreading the poison to other roaches. While they won’t kill 100% of roaches, there should be a noticeable reduction over the course of a few days and weeks.

Placement is key—in order to get cockroaches to take the bait, it should be placed around harborage areas and active pathways. Among the various types available, we recommend gel baits because they’re easy to dispense 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 pesticides are needed, use them carefully according to the instructions on their label in order to protect people and pets. Excessive exposure can cause headaches, nausea, or vomiting in humans.

• Do not use more than the recommended amount.
• Do not use a pesticide for any insect or pest that isn’t named on the label.
• Safely store chemical pesticides and place traps out of the reach of children and pets.

Where Do Cockroaches Come From?

The most common entry points for cockroaches are small gaps around windows and doors, cracks in walls, and poorly sealed utility lines. In apartment buildings, they can also easily spread between units through common walls, ceilings, vents, ducts, and pipes.

In addition, German cockroaches occasionally get inside by hiding or laying eggs in packages, boxes, luggage, laundry, grocery bags, and used furniture.

What Attracts Them?

• Food
• Water
• Shelter

Cockroaches have a sharp sense of smell (through olfactory receptors on their antennae) allowing them to pick up on food odors from garbage, crumbs, spills, dirty dishes, and greasy stovetops.

Water is also important for cockroaches to thrive. American cockroaches, in particular, are attracted to areas with high levels of humidity. During inspections, we often find them nesting in boiler rooms.

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

We are available seven days a week to address your pest control needs.

Cockroach Control Services

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