All That You Must Know About Cockroaches

Although cockroaches are usually considered dirty pests requiring immediate removal, they are surprisingly available in many varieties.

Despite their generalized image, these animals differ significantly among the thousands of species worldwide.

Only a few stands out as the most common among the many. If you are facing an infestation in your house, knowing several cockroach species’ unique features and attributes will help you develop practical treatment plans.

When faced with a persistent cockroach problem in Bakersfield, homeowners often turn to professional pest control Bakersfield for effective and tailored solutions to ensure a pest-free environment.

The following are the eight different species of cockroaches that can be found in your home.

1. German Cockroach

German cockroaches, prevalent in apartments and restaurants, measure about 1/2-inch with a light brown color and two black stripes.

Nymphs resemble adults but are smaller, darker, and wingless. Thriving in moist, warm spaces like kitchen, they hide in cracks near cabinets and appliances, rarely flying.

2. American Cockroach

The American cockroach, second most common globally, rarely invades homes except after heavy rains. Measuring 1.5 to 2 inches, they are shiny, reddish-brown with a yellow band.

Adult roaches with wings may fly but prefer rushing. Thriving outdoors, they tolerate warm, humid, and drier environments with water access.

3. Oriental Cockroach

Oriental cockroaches, dark brown to black with wings, consume a diverse diet, favoring starch. Despite having wings, they don’t fly.

Thriving in cool, damp spaces, they inhabit in:

• Sewer drains
• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Areas near leaks, refrigerators, and sinks.

4. Brown-Banded Cockroach

Brown-banded cockroaches, favoring warm heights and avoiding water, have adult males at half an inch, light brown with wings.

Shorter and rounder females lack fully covering wings and cannot fly. Thriving in warm, dry spaces, they hide in cabinets, pantries, and behind furniture and appliances.

5. Wood Cockroach

Wood roaches, about an inch long, enter homes attracted by porch lights, crawling under doors.

Chestnut brown, flat, and oval-shaped with long antennae, tan wings, and spiny legs, they live outdoors in moist, woody areas and need consistent moisture to survive, making indoor stays short-lived.

6. Asian Cockroach

The Asian cockroach, resembling the German cockroach, entered the US in 1986. Light brown with dark stripes is strong flier covering up to 120 feet.

Preferring moist outdoor areas, they are drawn to light, entering homes through openings and gravitating toward bright lights.

7. Cuban Cockroach

Cuban cockroaches, not considered pests, reside outdoors in Florida, the Gulf Coast, and Texas.

About 1-inch long, pale to lime green as adults, and dark brown nymphs, they are strong fliers active at night, often drawn to porch lights. They inhabit shrubs, trees, plant leaves, and under logs.

8. Pale-Bordered Field Cockroach

The pale-bordered field cockroach, similar in size to the German cockroach but non-pests, is known as the September cockroach.

They are scavengers eating various substances, measuring half an inch, with a reddish head, yellow wing markings, and orange-banded antennae.

Both genders can fly, residing in open or wooded areas with low-growing plants like ivy.

We trust that the information above has enhanced your understanding of the typical household nuisance, the cockroach.