Types of Roaches

Roaches have withstood the test of time for millions of years and they are still going strong with thousands of species all over the world. While they may be interesting to study from afar, they are definitely not what you want to find inside of your home. There are only 69 types of roaches that can be found in America, and being able to identify them may help you find ways to keep them out of your house and get on top of your Orlando pest control.

Here are just a few types of roaches that you may be able to easily identify.

Different Types of Roaches

Brown-banded Cockroach

Brown-banded cockroaches, otherwise known as Supella longipalpa, have yellow bands across their bodies and can grow up to 13 mm long. You can tell the difference between male and females through a few physical traits. The male’s wings are dark brown near the base and get lighter down closer to the tip. The female’s wings go from reddish-brown to dark-brown. Another way to easily identify this species is that they will jump when anyone messes with them.

They prefer to inhabit wamer and drier areas of your home where there are low chances of being disturbed by people. They may tend to avoid areas with water and can possibly be found near electronics or different nooks and crannies of your home. Only the males from this species can fly.

German Cockroach

German cockroaches, or the Blattella germanica, are one of the most commonly found species in America. They are usually 0.6 inches long and can breed their eggs rapidly enough to invade your home at an alarming rate. 

While they can breed about 30,000 roaches a year, their lifespan is significantly shorter. They can be found near water sources and warm, humid spaces. They can enter your home through packages, clothes, and many other different entryways. They have the ability to glide and run, but they cannot really fly. You can identify them by looking at two dark stripes going from their head to their wings.

Oriental Cockroach

Oriental cockroaches, also classified as Blatta orientalis or “water bugs”, are a species that feeds mostly on decaying organic matter. They enjoy heavily damp spaces or spaces with high levels of decaying matter. They usually keep themselves secluded from the presence of humans. Oriental cockroaches can grow to around 1.25 inches long and can be identified by their glossy appearance. 

Male oriental cockroaches have wings that are shorter than their body and the females have underdeveloped wings. They can live up to six months and neither males or females are capable of flight. They can enter your house through the sewer system, underneath doors, and even basement windows.

Smoky Brown Cockroach

Smoky brown cockroaches, also referred to as Periplaneta fuliginous, can normally be found outside in subtropical environments such as Texas or Florida, and many other Southeastern areas. They can be found in very damp places but tend to stay out of the view of humans. They can grow up to 1.5 inches long and are capable of flight. 

You can identify smoky brown cockroaches by their reddish-brown exteriors. You can also identify them by looking at their wings, which are a bit longer than their bodies. They can enter your house through vents or plumbing area

American Cockroach

American cockroaches, otherwise known as Periplaneta americana or “palmetto bugs”, are some of the largest and most common cockroaches found within American homes. Adult American cockroaches can grow up to three inches long and have brown and reddish-brown color patterns. Both males and females are capable of flight and are usually found within warm, damp areas or sewers. 

You can identify them by the light-yellow edges located on their pronotum. They can enter your home through the sewer system, underneath doors, or basement windows. They are capable of surviving within colder spaces, but they prefer areas that are 70 degrees or higher.

Conclusion

While many cockroaches prefer being outdoors, many species can still make their way into your homes. Being able to identify them can help you be one step closer to proper pest control. They are interesting to observe from afar from a scientific standpoint, but you will not want them anywhere near your home. If you need help with cockroach removal Orlando, don’t hesitate to call us!