Species 1
American Cockroach
- Nicknamed "water bug" or "Palmetto bug".
- 1 to 2 inches long.
- Nymphs are grayish brown; adults are reddish brown.
- Well-developed wings but infrequent fliers.
- Markings on the pronotum look like sunglasses.
- Found in places of high relative humidity in cracks and crevices.
- Enter buildings through sewer systems and cracks/crevices.
- Prefer fermented foods but can eat anything.
- Look for conducive conditions such as worn weather stripping under doors and openings around plumbing.
Species 2
Brown-Banded Cockroach
- Adults about ½ inch long.
- Light brown to brown.
- Brown liberty bell-shaped pattern near the pronotal shield.
- Wings darker at base but paler towards tips, with a pale band at base and another about 1/3 from the base.
- Males' wings extend beyond the abdomen and they can fly; females cannot.
- Normally southern, but can be found in warmer buildings in the north.
- Prefer temperatures of 80 °F or above and less humid environments.
- Tend to avoid water sources.
- Inspect electric motors of appliances, behind picture frames, and high points such as ceilings.
- If attic treatment is needed, a permanently attached ladder and secured floor must be in place.
Species 3
Oriental Cockroach
- Adult males about 1 inch; females about 1.25 inches long.
- Shiny dark brown to black.
- Wings are much shorter than the abdomen, and neither sex can fly.
- Often called "water bugs" or "black beetles".
- Survive well outdoors even in cold weather.
- Enter buildings down low (sliding doors, floor drains).
- Stay in crawl spaces, basements and the first floor generally.
- Feed on food and decaying matter, but prefer starchy food.
Species 4
German Cockroach
- Adults about ½ – 5/8 inch long.
- Light brown to tan.
- Two dark, almost parallel stripes running lengthwise on the pronotal shield (most identifying feature).
- Most common type of roach found indoors.
- Challenging to get rid of — they multiply quickly and in great numbers.
- Prefer moist places like kitchens and bathrooms, but found anywhere food is present.
- Can feed on almost anything.
- Sanitation is key to control.
- Inspect tight cracks and crevices, where they prefer to hang out.
Tips for controlling American & Oriental roaches
Treatment
- Use a variety of methods — baits, dusts and liquids.
- Glue boards to monitor and reduce population.
- Plug holes and caulk penetrations.
- Stop water leaks.
Prevention
- Exclusion of cracks and crevices.
- Reduce light from the home at night.
- Strong sanitation measures.
Tips for controlling German & Brown-Banded roaches
- Frequent services may be required due to high reproduction rate.
- 95% must be eliminated on the first service.
- Vacuuming immediately reduces large numbers and is essential to control.
- Gel baits are effective when placed correctly — tiny drops in cracks and crevices, out of sight, where roaches tend to hide.
- Glue boards are essential for monitoring.
- IGRs and liquids work well for long-term control.
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