roach , insects of the Blattodea edict , are ancient survivor , with over 4,500 species thriving globally in diverse home ground from forests to urban plate . know for flattened body , foresightful antennae , and rapid movement , only about 30 coinage are household pests . Their resiliency stem from surviving uttermost conditions , feed almost anything constitutive , and multiply quickly .

These nocturnal creatures prefer warm , humid environments like kitchens , gutter , and basements , where they feed on intellectual nourishment trash , plants , or decaying topic . Their dieting flexibility makes them adept at invading human space , contaminate surface with pathogen like Salmonella , vex health risks , and actuate allergy or asthma .

Cockroaches regurgitate via oothecae ( egg cases ) or , in some species , live birth , with females get lots to hundreds of offspring in month . specie like the German roach maturate in week , fueling speedy infestations . Their power to develop pesticide resistor complicates control travail .

Control requires integrated pest management : sanitation , sealing launching point , reduce wet , and using bait or insect powder . Regular cleaning and proper solid food computer storage deter infestations , while professional aid targets severe pillow slip . outside species rarely invade but may put down via lights or debris .

Some cockroaches , like Madagascar hissers , are kept as favourite for their unequalled traits , demand warm , humid enclosures . However , pest species dominate public perception due to their disease - propagate potential , making watchfulness key in urban options .

Types of Cockroaches

German Cockroach ( Blattella germanica )

The German Cockroach , the most unwashed household pest , measures 0.5 - 0.6 inch with a clear dark-brown eubstance and two disconsolate stripes on its pronotum . encounter worldwide , peculiarly in U.S. homes , eatery , and hotels , it choose strong , humid field like kitchens and bathroom . Females carry oothecae ( egg cases ) with 30 - 40 eggs until hatching , bring forth 200 - 250 offspring in a 100 - solar day life wheel . Rapid reproduction and pesticide resistivity make control challenging ; baits like gel conceptualisation and sanitization are key . They pass around bacteria , triggering allergy and asthma .

American Cockroach ( Periplaneta americana )

The American Cockroach , often called a palmetto bug , is the largest sign of the zodiac - overrun specie , growing to 1.5 - 2 inches . ruddy - browned with a yellow figure-8 pattern on its pronotum , it inhabit sewers , basements , and commercial-grade kitchens across the U.S. Both sexes have wings , with male person occasionally flying in warm conditions . female produce 6 - 14 oothecae , each with 14 - 16 eggs , in a 210 - day to two - year life bike . ascendance involves sealing entryway point , reducing moisture , and using hook . They contaminate nutrient and prefer fermenting cloth .

Brown - banded Cockroach ( Supella longipalpa )

Brown - banded Cockroaches , minuscule at 0.5 inches , are short brown with two yellowish bands across their wing . Found nationwide , they prefer warm , wry areas like cabinets , electronics , and ceiling , deflect piss sources . Males vanish when interrupt , while females glue oothecae ( 10 - 18 egg ) to obscure surface , producing up to 250 eggs in a 210 - day cycle . Less moisture - dependent than German circle , they ’re controlled with viscous traps and baits . Their rapid bed covering in homes and ability to carry pathogens make them a care .

Oriental Cockroach ( Blatta orientalis )

Known as the “ water bug , ” the Oriental Cockroach is 1 - 1.25 inch long , shiny black or dark John Brown , and thrives in damp , coolheaded region like basements , drains , and sewers . coarse in the U.S. , especially in older buildings , females have short wing pads , and males have flank covering three - quarters of their body ; neither fly ball . Females make 8 oothecae with 16 egg , evolve over 300 - 800 days . Control require reducing moisture and using baits in humid area . They breathe a strong odor and spread skank .

Smokybrown Cockroach ( Periplaneta fuliginosa )

The Smokybrown Cockroach , 1.25 - 1.5 inches , is dark red - browned and shiny , with to the full developed wings allow trajectory . plebeian in the southeast U.S. , like Florida and Texas , it prefer moist , warm outside areas like tree holes and attics but enters homes via lights . Females bring out oothecae with 20 ball , hatching in 45 days . Control involves seal off entry point , reduce out-of-door inflammation , and using residual sprays . Requiring constant moisture , they ’re less coarse indoors but can overrun dome with leaks .

Australian roach ( Periplaneta australasiae )

The Australian Cockroach , 1 - 1.4 in , resembles the American but has yellow markings on its chest and wings . Found in tropic U.S. regions like Florida and greenhouses , it thrives in warm , humid outside areas but enters home base seeking intellectual nourishment . Both sex wing , with females producing oothecae of 16 - 24 orchis . Control let in sanitation , seal crack , and baits . Often false for American roaches , they prefer plant material but contaminate kitchens , bewilder wellness risks in homes .

Asian Cockroach ( Blattella asahinai )

Asian Cockroaches , nearly indistinguishable to German roaches at 0.5 inch , are light brownish with two sullen banding but are strong flier attract to lights . Common in the southeasterly U.S. , they live outside in leaf litter and Mary Jane , enter homes at night . Females produce oothecae with 30 - 40 eggs , like to German forget me drug . Control focalize on outdoor treatments , reducing lighting , and seal entries . Their outdoor habits and flight distinguish them , but they still gestate pathogens indoors .

Florida Woods Cockroach ( Eurycotis floridana )

The Florida Woods Cockroach , also a “ palmetto bug , ” is 1.2 - 1.6 inches , ruby-red - brown to black , with a tardily - move , wingless body . Native to the southeastern U.S. , it lives in woodwind instrument mint , sheds , and garden , feed on decaying plant . seldom indoors , it may enter via garbage . Females acquire oothecae with 20 - 24 eggs , developing over 150 day . Control involves removing outdoor fosterage sites . Known for a filthy olfactory property when upset , they ’re less of a health care due to outdoor preference .

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach ( Parcoblatta pennsylvanica )

The Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach , 0.7 - 1 inch , is chestnut tree - chocolate-brown dark brown with white - butt against pronotum and backstage in males , who fly to brightness . Females have short wings . coarse in the easterly U.S. , they exist in timberland under bark and logarithm , entering homes via firewood . female person produce oothecae with 10 - 20 bollock , developing over a twelvemonth . Not indoor pests , control involves determine firewood and sealing entering . They feed on organic matter , posing minimum health danger indoors .

Surinam Cockroach ( Pycnoscelus surinamensis )

The Surinam Cockroach , 0.75 - 1 inch , is dark brown with a glossy black head , found in the southeastern U.S. Only females exist in the U.S. , reproduce parthenogenetically with oothecae of 14 - 48 ball hatch inside the female person . They burrow in ground , feeding on plants , damaging garden . Often in nursery , they ’re hold with come-on and soil treatments . Their nocturnal habits and industrial plant - based dieting make them indoor gadfly , less significant indoors but a nuisance in agriculture .

Turkestan Cockroach ( Blatta lateralis )

Turkestan Cockroaches , 1 column inch , are blood-red - chocolate-brown with cream - color marking , compete with Oriental roach in the southwest U.S. They choose ironic outdoor areas like yards , and compost tons , mickle but go into abode at dark . Females grow oothecae with 14 - 18 eggs , ease up up to 350 eggs yearly , in her life , maturing in 13 months . Control necessitate outdoor baits and sealing entrance . Their rapid reproduction makes them an emerging pest in urban areas .

Cuban Cockroach ( Panchlora nivea )

Cuban Cockroaches , 0.5 - 1 inch , are light green and strong fliers , found in tropic U.S. region like Florida . Preferring outdoor areas like leaf litter and trees , they ’re attracted to lights , entering abode at Nox . Females hold oothecae with 20 - 30 eggs , incubate in 40 - 60 days . ascendency focuses on reducing out-of-door light and sealing entries . Their striking colour and flight make them noticeable , but they ’re less invasive indoors , posing minimum health risks .

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach ( Gromphadorhina portentosa )

The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach , 2 - 3 inches , is saturnine brown , wingless , and have intercourse for hissing when stir up . aboriginal to Madagascar , it ’s a pop pet in the U.S. , rarely a pestilence . go in forest leaf bedding material , they fertilise on decaying matter . Females are live-bearing , birthing 20 - 40 resilient nymphs . Control is unnecessary , but escape pets are manage by recapture . Their size of it and levelheaded fascinate enthusiasts , but they do n’t invade homes or spread disease .

decease ’s Head Cockroach ( Blaberus craniifer )

The Death ’s Head Cockroach , 1.5 - 2 in , is dark brown with a skull - corresponding approach pattern on its pronotum . Native to Central and South America , it ’s found in the U.S. as a pet or in zoos , living in leaf litter and feeding on organic matter . female develop oothecae with 20 - 30 eggs , hatching in 50 day . Not a pest , control is n’t want , but escaped individuals are retake . Their unique appearance make them a front-runner among alien insect keepers .

Dubia Cockroach ( Blaptica dubia )

The Dubia Cockroach , native to Central and South America , grow to 1.6 - 1.8 inch with a dark brown , segmented body and little wings in males ; females are wingless . Popular as a feeder worm for reptiles due to high protein content , they ’re rarely household pests . Found in leafage litter and forests , they prey on decay matter and fruits . Females produce 20 - 40 live nymph via internal oothecae , maturing in 4 - 6 months . Control is unnecessary , but escaped deary are managed by retaking . Keep them in secure containers with external respiration , as they do n’t climb smooth airfoil , crap them ideal for preferred owner .

Discoid Cockroach ( Blaberus discoidalis )

Discoid Cockroaches , from Central and South America , reach 1.5 - 2 inches , with a bright , black brown body and faint yellow markings . Another favored feeder insect , they ’re non - invasive , living in woodland storey and feed on organic debris . Females produce oothecae with 20 - 30 egg , hatching in 60 days , with houri mature in 5 - 7 months . Not pestilence , they ’re controlled by securing breeding setup . Their robust size and low sustainment courting reptilian steward , but they require warm ( 80 - 90 ° F ) , humid ( 60 % ) conditions . Their calm nature name them a staple in the pet swop .

Giant Cave Cockroach ( Blaberus giganteus )

The Giant Cave Cockroach , one of the magnanimous species at 3 - 4 column inch , is aboriginal to Central and South America ’s rainforests and caves . Dark brownish with farseeing backstage , both sexes fly in warm conditions . They prey on decompose Mrs. Henry Wood and plant topic , living in humid , dark environments . female produce oothecae with 20 - 30 egg , maturing in 6 - 8 month . seldom a plague , they ’re keep as alien PET , needing large enclosures ( 80 - 85 ° F , 70 % humidness ) . control condition involves recapture if escape . Their impressive size and wingspan fascinate partizan , but they ’re not become for beginners .

Lobster Cockroach ( Nauphoeta cinerea )

The Lobster Cockroach , from Northeast Africa but far-flung in the U.S. pet trade , get to 1 - 1.2 inches with a dappled grey - brown body . mention for its lobster - like appearance , it ’s a feeder insect , not a house pest . live in dry , warm field , they feed on grains and organic matter . Females give giving birth to 30 - 40 live nymph , maturing in 3 - 4 months . Control is n’t needed , but secure enclosures preclude escapes . Their rapid breeding and hardiness make them idealistic for reptilian eating , prosper at 75 - 85 ° F with low-spirited humidity .

Hissers ( Elliptorhina javanica )

Javan Hissing Cockroaches , from Madagascar , contact 2 - 3 column inch , with a shiny shameful body and orange markings , know for hissing via spiracle . Wingless and non - pest , they ’re pop pets , survive in timber leafage litter and feeding on crumble plants . female birth 15 - 30 live nymphs , maturate in 5 - 7 months . Control is unneeded ; escape pets are recapture . They need ardent ( 80 - 90 ° F ) , humid ( 60 - 70 % ) enclosures with hiding spot . Their unique sound and docile nature make them educational pets , especially for child .

Green Banana Cockroach ( Panchlora sp . )

Green Banana Cockroaches , from Central and South America , are 0.8 - 1 inch , with vibrant green , semitransparent wings , resembling Cuban roaches . encounter in banana plantations and forests , they feed on fruit and plant debris , often transport via green groceries . Females make oothecae with 20 - 30 bollock , hatching in 40 - 50 days . Rarely indoor pests , they ’re check by inspect imported fruits and seal entries . As pets , they need humid ( 70 % ) , warm ( 80 - 85 ° F ) setups . Their walk out colour and flight make them a deary among exotic insect keepers .

Harlequin Cockroach ( Neostylopyga rhombifolia )

The Harlequin Cockroach , native to Indo - Pacific regions , produce to 0.8 - 1.2 inches with a colourful smuggled , yellow , and Orange River pattern . Found in folio bedding and urban arena , they tip on organic matter and are periodic household invaders in tropical U.S. regions like Hawaii . Females produce oothecae with 16 - 20 egg , maturing in 4 - 6 months . dominance demand sanitization and hook like fipronil . Their vivid markings make them a favourite for enthusiasts , requiring quick ( 80 - 90 ° F ) , humid ( 60 % ) natural enclosure , but they ’re less common than hissers .

Argentine Wood Cockroach ( Blaptica genus Argentina )

Argentine Wood Cockroaches , from South America , reach 1.5 - 2 inches , with a dark brown body and short wings . experience in forests under logs , they fertilise on decay wood and rarely inscribe homes . Females produce oothecae with 20 - 25 eggs , think up in 50 - 60 sidereal day . Not pests , they ’re used as feeder insects , needing warm ( 80 - 85 ° F ) , humid ( 60 % ) frame-up . Control is n’t required , but escapes are prevent with unattackable tanks . Their unfearing nature suits reptile proprietor , though they ’re less popular than Dubia roach .

Boll ’s Sand Cockroach ( Arenivaga bolliana )

Boll ’s Sand Cockroach , native to the southwestern U.S. , grows to 0.5 - 1 inch , with a tan , oval eubstance adapted for desert burrowing . Females have short wing , males longer , but neither fly . They eat on constituent detritus in flaxen soils , rarely entering homes . female produce oothecae with 10 - 15 egg , maturing in 4 - 6 month . Not gadfly , they ’re controlled by take out rubble near homes . Rarely kept as pets , their burrowing fascinates investigator studying desert ecosystems , want dry , affectionate ( 75 - 85 ° F ) setups .

Cape Cod Cockroach ( Aglaopteryx gemma )

Cape Cod Cockroaches , find in the southeastern U.S. , are little at 0.4 - 0.6 in , with a light brown , semitransparent organic structure and farseeing wing in male person . Living in folio litter and pine timberland , they feed on plant detritus and avoid home . female produce oothecae with 10 - 12 eggs , hatching in 30 - 40 days . Not pestilence , they ’re controlled by clearing one thousand detritus . seldom kept as deary , their delicate appearance courting enthusiasts , need fond ( 75 - 80 ° F ) , humid ( 50 - 60 % ) enclosures . Their non - invasive nature realise them ecologically benign .

Three - trace Cockroach ( Luridiblatta trivittata )

The Three - lined Cockroach , from Mediterranean regions and premise to California , is 0.3 - 0.5 inches , with a pale brown dead body and three dark band . Living in dry , urban areas under rubble , they feed on constituent matter and rarely infest homes . female make tiny oothecae with 8 - 12 eggs , maturing in 3 - 4 months . ascendence involves sanitation and sealing pass . Not dearie , their small size of it and outdoor habits make them minor pest , manageable with canonical yard sustentation .

tell apart Mediterranean Cockroach ( Ectobius pallidus )

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroaches , find oneself in Europe and introduced to the northeastern U.S. , are 0.3 - 0.4 inches , low-cal browned with wan spots . Living in grassland and leaf litter , they feed on flora debris , seldom enter homes . female person get oothecae with 6 - 10 eggs , hatching in 30 day . Not pests , they ’re controlled by clear debris . seldom kept as pets , they ’re studied for ecological roles , needing warm ( 70 - 80 ° F ) , wry setups . Their non - invading nature minimizes human dispute .

Domino Cockroach ( Therea petiveriana )

The Domino Cockroach , from southern India , grows to 0.8 - 1 inch , with a blackened body and clean spots resemble domino . Found in leafage bedding , they run on decaying plants and are popular PET , not pests . female produce oothecae with 12 - 16 eggs , mature in 4 - 6 months . Kept in affectionate ( 80 - 85 ° F ) , humid ( 60 % ) enclosures , they ’re controlled by secure setup . Their striking pattern and burrowing behavior make them a favorite among louse hobbyists .

Horse - field Cockroach ( Hemithyrsocera histrio )

Horse - domain Cockroaches , from Southeast Asia , pass on 0.6 - 0.8 inches , with a inglorious body and yellow - orange markings . Living in forest and fields , they feed on plant debris and rarely invade family . Females produce oothecae with 10 - 15 egg , hatching in 40 days . Not pests , they ’re kept as pets , want strong ( 80 - 85 ° F ) , humid ( 60 % ) setups . Control is n’t needed , but leakage are prevent with secure tanks . Their vibrant colors attract exotic insect enthusiasts .