Cockroaches are some of the peskiest pests. They exist in various sizes and colours. Most of them crawl or run, but some are known to fly. They have been in existence for millions of years, and there are thousands of their species roaming the world. Below are some of the most common types of cockroaches.
1. American Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana)
The American cockroach is the largest, usually found in houses and commercial buildings. Their colour ranges from shiny brown to reddish-brown. They have yellowish lines behind the head. The adults can grow between 38mm to 53mm in length. They crawl around, run, and as if that is not creepy enough, they have wings and can fly, covering short distances at a time.
These types of cockroaches are also known as the Palmetto bug or water bug. They can be found in dark, moist, humid and undisturbed areas, and basements, under kitchens sinks and bathrooms. American cockroaches have a lifespan of up to two years.
2. German Cockroaches (Blattella germanica)
The German cockroach is the most common. They measure a ½ to 5/8 of an inch. They are light brown and have two black or dark-brown stripes on the thorax behind the head. They like warm and moist areas, especially near food and water and are most likely to be found in kitchens and bathrooms.
These types of cockroaches have wings, but unlike their American counterparts, they do not fly. Instead, they are swift runners. On average, they live for up to a year but breed very fast. They can infest your home within a very short time.
3. Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)
The oriental roach is dark brown or black. They can grow to 1 inch in length and have a body with a greasy shine. The male has wings but does not fly, while the female has no wings, and, of course, cannot fly. They do, however, run.
These cockroaches like living outside in the natural environment and can be found in cool, damp areas such as basements, beneath porches and around drains. In the summer, they are likely to enter homes and buildings to escape the heat. They will require pest exterminators for full eradication.
4. Brown-banded Cockroach (Supella Longipalpa)
This cockroach type has a lifespan of between three to eleven months. They can grow up to 13mm in length. The male is capable of flying, but not so the female. The brown-banded cockroach jumps when disturbed. They are brown and have a brown band across their wings. You will most likely find them in elevated warm and dry locations.
5. Australian Cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae)
Also known as shad roaches, this species has a reddish-brown to dark brown colour. The tops of their heads, and on each wing, have yellow markings. These are small roaches that grow between 1 ¼ inch to 1 ½ inch. They get into buildings through open windows and cracks on the walls.
6. Smoky Brown Cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa)
These are slightly smaller than the American roach and have a uniform dark brown or mahogany colour. These types of cockroaches grow to about 38mm in length. They like humid areas. Both the male and female can fly.
7. Asian Cockroaches (Blattella asahinai)
These oriental roaches grow to between 13mm and 16mm long. They look like the German roaches and feature a light brown colour and two lines behind their heads. They prefer to live outside but can enter homes through open windows, perhaps because they are strong fliers as well. They are attracted to light and may fly towards bright bulbs or porch lights. These roaches can also trigger allergic reactions.
8. Wood Cockroaches (Parcoblatta pensylvanica)
Wood cockroaches are dark brown with lighter coloured wings. They grow to about an inch long. The males have longer wings than females. They prefer to lay their eggs outside, so infestations are rare. They enter the house through open windows or hike a ride on firewood.
9. Green Cockroaches (Panchlora nivea)
These types of cockroaches grow to about an inch long. They are pale green and have a yellowish band around the front of their wings. Young nymphs are black or brown. They are also known as Cuban roaches and are attracted to decaying leaves and piles of wood. However, they can enter the house if windows are left open as they are also attracted to light.
10. Lobster Cockroaches (Nauphoeta cinerea)
Also known as Cinereous cockroaches, these pests are ash gray. They have a lobster-like design around their heads and grow to 1 ½ inch long. They have wings but do not fly. Pet stores breed them as food for exotic animals, amphibians and reptile pets.
These are just some of the many types of roaches. They breed and multiply very fast, making them extremely pesky. No wonder it’s said they can survive a nuclear attack. A cockroach infestation will most probably require the use of pest control experts.
