Different Kinds of Roaches

German Cockroach

• The German cockroach is also known by its scientific name of Blattella germanica. This roach is pale brown and reaches 1/2 to 5/8 inch in length at maturity. Adult German cockroaches have an average life span of three to four months. Females produce one to seven cases of eggs during their lifetime. Egg cases are carried by the female until they are ready to hatch. These cases contain an average of 30 to 40 eggs, which hatch in approximately two weeks. German roaches are often present in areas where food is stored or prepared. This roach prefers warm, moist places such as sinks and appliances.

Oriental Cockroach

• Oriental cockroaches are also known by the scientific name of Blatta orientalis and are commonly found in cool, damp spaces such as crawl spaces, sewer drains, cellars and basements. This insect is dark brown or black and is approximately 1/4 inch long when it hatches. Oriental cockroaches are reddish-brown when they hatch and later turn a darker brown. Adult Oriental cockroaches grow to between 1 and 1 1/4 inches in length and emit a foul odor. Infestations of this roach are most common during the spring and fall.

American Cockroach

• The American cockroach, or Periplaneta americana, is quite large, measuring up to 2 inches in length. This pest is mahogany-brown with yellow margins around its head. Newly hatched American cockroaches are approximately 3/16 inch long and light brown. Warm, moist areas are a favorite place for the American cockroach and they are commonly seen in industrial buildings, boiler rooms, garbage sites or storage areas. They can also been found outdoors in trees such as palmettos.

Brownbanded Cockroaches

• Brownbanded cockroaches, or Supella longipalpa, are light brown with yellowish brown markings across their backs. Adult roaches reach 5/8 inch long and adult males have long wings. Female brownbanded cockroches cannot fly, but males often fly in homes. This roach can appear anywhere inside houses or public buildings, such as drawers, cabinets, appliances and in furniture.