In this article we will talk about the 4 types of cockroach and facts you probably didn’t knew. Cockroaches have been around for millions of years, evolving into some of the most adaptable pests on Earth. There are approximately 4,000 living species of cockroaches in the world.
4 types of cockroach you can identity right away:
American Cockroaches
The American cockroach is the largest cockroach found in houses. Despite its name, the American cockroach is not native to North America, but was likely introduced via ships from Africa in the 1600s.
American cockroaches will eat just about anything, including plants and other insects. They prefer to live in warm, dark, wet areas, like sewers and basements. They often enter structures through drains and pipes.
| Size: 2″ | Common Name: American cockroach |
| Shape: Oval | Kingdom: Animalia |
| Color: Reddish-brown, with a yellowish figure 8 pattern on the back of the head | Phylum: Arthropoda |
| Legs: 6 | Class: Insecta |
| Wings: Yes | Order: Dictyoptera |
| Antenna: Yes | Family: Blattidae |
| Species: Periplaneta americana |
Brown-banded Cockroaches
Brown banded cockroaches get their name from the two light bands they have across their dark brownish bodies. The male’s wings are larger than the female’s wings. This type of cockroaches often hide their eggs in or under furniture. They usually live 5-6 ½ months.
| Size: 1/2/” | Common Name: Brown-banded cockroach |
| Shape: Oval | Kingdom: Animalia |
| Color: Brown, with light bands of color across wings | Phylum: Arthropoda |
| Legs: 6 | Class: Insecta |
| Wings: Yes | Order: Dictyoptera |
| Antenna: Yes | Family: Blattellidae |
| Species: Supella longipalpa |
German Cockroaches
German cockroaches can be found all over the world. They are the most common cockroach in the London. Each German cockroach can live about 100-200 days. Cockroaches are attracted to sweet and floury foods. They also eat non-organic items such as toothpaste and books!
| Size: 1/2″ to 5/8″ | Common Name: German cockroach |
| Shape: Oval | Kingdom: Animalia |
| Color: Brown to dark brown | Phylum: Arthropoda |
| Legs: 6 | Class: Insecta |
| Wings: Yes | Order: Blattodea |
| Antenna: Yes | Family: Blattellidae |
| Species: Blattella germanica |
Oriental Cockroaches
Oriental Cockroaches probably get their names from trade ships but they are actually from Africa. They are large and very dark compared to other cockroaches. They usually travel through sewer pipes and drains. They prefer dirty places and cooler temperatures than other cockroaches. An Oriental cockroach creates a strong smell and is considered one of the dirtiest of all the cockroaches.
| Size: 1″ | Common Name: Oriental cockroach |
| Shape: Oval | Kingdom: Animalia |
| Color: Dark brown, almost black | Phylum: Arthropoda |
| Legs: 6 | Class: Insecta |
| Wings: No | Order: Dictyoptera |
| Antenna: Yes | Family: Blattadae |
| Species: Blatta orientalis |
All these types of cockroaches are commonly found in buildings and homes because they prefer warm environments close to food and water. Unfortunately, cockroaches can cause allergies and trigger asthma attacks, especially in children. They can also spread nearly 33 different kinds of bacteria.
No matter the type of cockroach you face in your home or business, call Cockroach Exterminators and let us take care of the problem for good. Get a FREE estimate, call 0800 955 1015.
