Cockroaches are one of the most common pests found in homes and buildings around the world. There are thousands of different cockroach species, but only around 30 of those are associated with human habitats. Cockroaches are hardy insects that can survive a wide range of conditions which allows them to spread easily. Understanding the different types of cockroaches is key to controlling infestations.

In this comprehensive guide we will cover 18 of the most common cockroach species found domestically and internationally.

1. German Cockroach

The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is considered one of the most prolific cockroach species They have a pale brown color with two dark brown stripes behind their head German cockroaches grow to about 1/2 to 5/8 inches long,

This species thrives indoor, especially in kitchens, pantries, and bathrooms. They prefer temperatures around 70°F. German cockroaches reproduce quickly, with females producing up to 4 egg capsules, each containing 30-40 eggs. Their rapid reproduction enables populations to grow rapidly.

2. American Cockroach

American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) are the largest common cockroach species, growing up to 1 1/2 inches long. They have a reddish-brown body with a light yellow band around their shield behind the head. Both males and females have wings and can fly.

American cockroaches prefer dark, moist areas like basements, sewers, and around plumbing. They can live up to 2 years. These roaches are common pests in restaurants, grocery stores, and other food establishments.

3. Brown-Banded Cockroach

Brown-banded cockroaches (Supella longipalpa) are small, growing to about 1/2 inch long. As their name suggests, they have two light yellow bands across their wings and abdomen. Only males are capable of flight.

These cockroaches do well in warm indoor spaces like apartments or cluttered homes. They can frequently be found on furniture or inside appliances. Brown-banded cockroaches live about 3-11 months on average.

4. Oriental Cockroach

The Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) is a large, shiny black cockroach reaching up to 1 1/4 inches long. The females are slightly longer than the males. Neither male nor female oriental cockroaches can fly.

This species prefers cool, dark, damp places like basements, sewers, and crawlspaces. They get their nickname “waterbug” from their affinity for moisture. Oriental cockroaches feed on decaying organic matter and have a lifespan of about 6 months.

5. Smokybrown Cockroach

Smokybrown cockroaches (Periplaneta fuliginosa) are a dark brown-black color reaching 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches long. They prefer warm, humid climates and are commonly found in the southern US and coastal Australia.

These roaches feed on plant and animal material. They live outdoors in tree holes and leaf litter but can sometimes become indoor pests in attics or damp basements. Smokybrown cockroaches fly at night to find food sources.

6. Australian Cockroach

Despite its name, the Australian cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae) is actually native to Africa and parts of Asia. This species thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. They grow to about 1 inch long and have pale yellow bands on their head and wings.

The Australian cockroach is primarily an outdoor species, living in gardens, yards, and greenhouses. They may wander indoors through open doors or windows. These cockroaches are common pests in Florida and other southeastern coastal regions.

7. Asian Cockroach

The Asian cockroach (Blattella asahinai) resembles the German cockroach in size and coloration. However, Asian cockroaches are stronger fliers, especially at night when they are drawn to lights. This species normally lives outdoors in leaf litter.

Asian cockroaches occasionally get into homes but do not reproduce indoors. They are prevalent pests in tropical climates. These roaches can transmit pathogens like salmonella when they contaminate food sources.

8. Turkestan Cockroach

Turkestan cockroaches (Shelfordella lateralis) are reddish-brown in color and grow to about 1 inch long. The males have fully developed wings while the female wings are shortened. Only males fly. This species burrows in the soil during the day.

Originally from Central Asia, these pests are now found in arid climates like the southwestern United States. Turkestan cockroaches are outdoor species but may enter houses through cracks in the foundation. They are drawn to moisture and food scraps.

9. Cuban Cockroach

Also called the banana cockroach, the Cuban cockroach (Panchlora nivea) is pale green in color. Females reach just over 3/4 inch long while males are slightly smaller. This species lives primarily outdoors in tropical and subtropical areas.

Cuban cockroaches occasionally enter homes when drawn to lights but do not reproduce indoors. These cockroaches are food for some reptile and amphibian pets. Cuban cockroaches can become agricultural pests when they damage banana and plantain crops.

10. Surinam Cockroach

The Surinam cockroach (Pycnoscelus surinamensis) has a shining dark brown or black body and can grow over 1 inch long. Native to Asia, they thrive in tropical environments. Surinam cockroaches inhabit gardens, greenhouses, and areas with abundant decaying plant matter.

They may wander into homes but do not reproduce indoors. These cockroaches can transmit pathogens like salmonella when contaminating food sources. Surinam cockroaches are a problematic pest of greenhouses and botanical gardens.

11. Wood Cockroaches

There are various species of wood cockroaches that inhabit forested areas and wooded yards. Some examples include Pennsylvania wood cockroaches (Parcoblatta pennsylvanica) and Virginia wood cockroaches (Parcoblatta virginica). Most wood cockroaches are brown or black and under an inch long.

These cockroaches feed on decaying plant material. Rarely do wood cockroaches become indoor pests, only wandering inside accidentally from nearby woods. Controlling moist leaf litter near the home’s foundation can help prevent wood cockroaches from entering.

12. Field Cockroach

Field cockroaches (Blattella vaga) are light brown with a pale edge around their pronotum. They grow to about 1/2 inch long. As their name indicates, field cockroaches live outdoors in grasslands, leaf litter, and vegetation. They are common in southern states and Mexico.

Field cockroaches are scavengers that feed on decaying organic debris. On occasion, they may come indoors looking for food and moisture. Keeping leaf litter away from the home’s perimeter can help exclude field cockroaches.

13. Brown-Hooded Cockroach

The brown-hooded cockroach (Cryptocercus punctulatus) is a reddish-brown cockroach that grows to around 5/8 inch long. They inhabit mature forests and feed primarily on decaying wood. This species prefers damp woodlands and cannot survive in new growth forests.

Brown-hooded cockroaches play an important role in nutrient recycling in forest ecosystems. They rarely become indoor pests, only entering houses near wooded areas infrequently. Maintaining a wood-free zone around the home is advisable.

14. American Palmetto Bug

The American palmetto bug refers to two similar species – the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) and the Florida woods cockroach (Eurycotis floridana). Both are large, reddish-brown cockroaches over 1 inch long. They are common in the southeastern United States.

These cockroaches live primarily outdoors but will enter homes through Foundation cracks or open doors. They are drawn to food odors. Palmetto bugs often fly around lights at night. Keeping exterior lighting away from doorways can deter these nighttime invaders.

15. Dubia Cockroach

Dubia cockroaches (Blaptica dubia) are reddish-brown, oval shaped insects that grow to 1 – 1 1/2 inches long. Native to Central and South America, this species inhabits warm tropical forests. Dubia cockroaches live in the leaf litter and feed on decaying plant material.

Unlike most cockroaches, dubia roaches do not infest homes. Their slow movement and inability to climb smooth surfaces makes them easy to contain. Dubia cockroaches are commonly bred as feeder insects for insectivorous pets.

16. Death’s Head Cockroach

The death’s head cockroach (Blaberus craniifer) gets its foreboding name from the distinctive marking on its pronotum that resembles a human skull. This large species can grow over 2 inches long. They inhabit Central and South America.

Death’s head cockroaches are primarily scavengers that live in forest litter near rotting logs and vegetation. They use their large mandibles to feed on wood debris. These cockroaches become indoor pests on occasion in their native regions but do not infest dwellings.

17. Brown Cockroach

Brown cockroaches (Periplaneta brunnea) are large, oval-shaped cockroaches that can grow up to 1 1⁄2 inches long. Their coloration is a uniform warm brown. Native to tropical Africa and Asia, brown cockroaches inhabit outdoors and rarely come indoors.

These cockroaches dwell in leaf litter, mulch, and other damp outdoor locations. Brown cockroaches can become pests in greenhouses where they damage plants. Maintaining drier conditions outdoors can help deter this tropical species.

18. Madeira Cockroach

Madeira cockroaches (Rhyparobia maderae) have an elongated oval body that reaches 1 – 1 1⁄4 inches long. They are a glossy brown-black color with a pale brown margin on their abdomen. This species is native to Madeira Islands and also found in Europe and North Africa.

Madeira cockroaches inhabit greenhouses and indoor locations like bathrooms and kitchens. They require warm, humid conditions. These cockroaches feed on decaying plant material. Preventing moisture buildup indoors can discourage infestations.

Conclusion

There are thousands of cockroach species worldwide, but only a fraction are associated with human environments. The most problematic cockroaches thrive indoors in our homes and businesses. Many tropical cockroaches may wander in but cannot breed inside. Understanding the key differences between species can help identify cockroach pests accurately so they can be controlled effectively. With proper identification and control, cockroach infestations can be eliminated.