This amazing planet is home to over 4500 species of cockroaches, out of which 70 species are found in the United States. However, only four common household species are prevalent in the U.S. Learning a bit about each of them will help you determine the best approach to get rid of them.

So, if you want to learn more about these 4 species, then keep scrolling!

German Cockroaches

The German cockroach is the smallest and the most prevalent species found worldwide. They are about a half-inch long and the color of their body ranges from light brown to tan. German cockroaches are often present in large numbers and prefer warm, wet places They can be found in a variety of human spaces like apartment buildings and housing complexes. They are also known to live in restaurants, hotels, nursing homes, food processing facilities, and other institutional facilities.

German cockroaches are not picky eaters. They can feed on just about anything, like grease, soap, wallpaper, starches, meat, sweets, old books, and even garbage. German cockroaches can spread bacterial diseases and parasites.

American Cockroaches

The American cockroach is considered a major pest in the U.S. Also known as the Bombay canary or the palmetto bug, this species is the largest of the house-infesting roaches. American cockroaches are about 2 inches long, reddish-brown, and have yellowish bands behind their heads. They are mostly found in city sewer systems.

American cockroaches prefer outdoor areas. They only sneak into homes in search of food and water. American cockroaches can also spread deadly diseases to humans and pets.  Sensing a mild and musty odor indicates that German cockroaches are present in large numbers in your home.

Oriental Cockroaches

They are also known as “waterbugs” as they hang out in damp areas, and “black beetle cockroaches” owing to their smooth and dark bodies. The body color ranges from dark brown or black. This makes them stand out from others. Oriental cockroaches are more odoriferous than others.

 

They prefer to live outdoors in piles of leaves and under logs. However, they gain entry into homes through the gaps beneath siding, under doors, and by following pipes, sewers, and drains into a structure. Oriental cockroaches feed on decaying and starchy foods.

Brown-Banded Cockroaches

These species of cockroaches are often confused with German cockroaches. They are about a half-inch long and exhibit brown color.  Brown-banded cockroaches prefer to live indoors. Their source of entry is secondhand furniture or other infested items. They feed on anything if there is no food. They can feast on wallpaper glue, stamps, books, etc. Brown-banded cockroaches prefer dryer areas. Therefore, they are often found behind the stove or in ceilings.

Wrapping Up

Cockroaches are filthy, harmful, and are most loathed, irrespective of their type. Even the sight of one single cockroach can trigger fear. Nobody wants these disease-carrying critters crawling free in and around our home. The best way to keep your home cockroach-free is to call professional pest control services to eradicate them from their nesting and breeding places and win your home back from these pesky invaders.