Description

German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)

• Adults average 1/2 to 5/8 inches in length
• Nymphs average 1/16 to 1/2 inch long
• Tan to light brown; two longitudinal stripes on the pronotum
• Females are larger than males and may have an egg case protruding from the end of their abdomen
• Egg cases contain 30 to 40 young; each egg develops into an adult within 50 days

American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)

• Adults average: 1 1/4 to 2 1/8 inches in length
• One of largest species to infest structures (also known as water bugs or Palmetto bugs)
• Found in northern and southern climates; thrive outdoors in the South
• Males’ wings extend beyond the abdomen; females’ wings do not
• Prefer dark, moist areas near food sources and may enter structures through sewer pipes and floor drains
• Seek harbor in voids, including masonry block voids, and may travel in areas above drop ceilings
• Males can fly and are attracted to artificial light

Australian Cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae)

• Adults can grow up to 1 1/4 inches long
• Closely resembles American cockroach in size and color
• Has pale yellow stripes at the base of wing pads and the margin of the protonum
• Not commonly found indoors but will be found there when temperatures are high
• Can be brought into accounts on indoor plants and may be found everywhere American cockroaches are active (except sewers)
• Also infest greenhouses, zoos and commercial accounts where conditions are suitable

Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)

• Adults to grow up to 1 inch in length
• Distinctively shiny and black
• Males’ wings take up 2/3 the length of the abdomen; female wings take up 1/4 the length of the abdomen
• Does not fly and has difficulty climbing smooth surfaces
• Susceptible to dehydration; seeks moist areas in which to hide
• Usually found in basements, crawl spaces and the lower floors of an account
• In southern climates, may be found outdoors hiding in leaf litter, beneath logs, and mulch

Smokybrown Cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa)

• Adults range from 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in length
• Easily recognized by its uniform mahogany brown color
• Found outdoors in the South
• Hides in mulch, leaf litter, ground cover, woodpiles and tree bark for protection against dessication
• Often found dead indoors likely due to dehydration
• Typically enters a structure through the attic and open spaces
• Both males and females can fly

Brownbanded Cockroach (Supella longipalpa)

• Adults average 5/8 of an inch in length
• Similar in size and appearance to the German Cockroach
• Rather than longitudinal stripes found on the pronotum, they have two broad brown bands on their wings
• Infest structures across the United States
• Prefer warmer areas but may be found in any area within a structure
• Not generally found in kitchen and bath areas, as can be expected with German Cockroaches
• May be found in furniture, wall hangings, picture frames, light fixtures, and drop ceilings