Type of Cockroaches

There are over 4,000 species of cockroaches across the globe – but only a few regularly invade homes in Georgia and throughout the United States. While they might not seem dangerous at first glance, cockroaches are known to carry diseases, trigger allergies, and contaminate food. Proper identification and swift removal are key to preventing health hazards and keeping your living space safe.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common types of cockroaches found in Georgia homes, help you tell them apart, and break down what you can do to get rid of them for good.

Common House Cockroach Types:

German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)

Identification Features

German cockroaches are light brown or tan with two dark stripes running parallel down their back. They’re small – typically about ½ inch long – but reproduce rapidly, making them one of the most persistent indoor pests.

Habitat and Behavior

These roaches prefer warm, humid environments, like kitchens and bathrooms. They hide during the day and come out at night to scavenge for food and moisture.

Health Risks and Damage

They contaminate surfaces, trigger asthma, and spread bacteria like Salmonella. Because they breed so quickly, a small problem can spiral fast.

American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)

Identification Features

These are the largest house-invading roaches in the U.S., measuring up to 2 inches long. They’re reddish-brown with a yellow band behind their head.

Habitat and Behavior

They thrive in moist environments like sewers, basements, and crawl spaces. They can also fly short distances, making them even harder to avoid.

Health Risks and Damage

Like their German counterparts, American cockroaches can contaminate food, spread pathogens, and leave behind unpleasant odors.

Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)

Identification Features

Also known as “waterbugs,” these roaches are dark brown or black and about 1 inch long.

Habitat and Behavior

They’re typically found in damp, cooler areas like basements and drains. Slower than other species, but no less disruptive.

Health Risks and Damage

Oriental cockroaches are considered one of the dirtiest species, often associated with sewer lines. They carry a high risk of spreading bacteria and causing food contamination.

Brown-banded Cockroach (Supella longipalpa)

Identification Features

These small cockroaches are light brown with two lighter bands across their wings.

Habitat and Behavior

They prefer dry, warm areas like living rooms, bedrooms, and inside electronics. You’re more likely to find them in higher areas—ceilings, wall moldings, and picture frames.

Health Risks and Damage

Though less common than German cockroaches, they can still trigger asthma and contaminate surfaces.

Other Cockroach Species:

Smoky Brown Cockroach

• Large and uniformly dark brown.

• Attracted to light, often enters homes from the outdoors.

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach

• Found primarily in wooded areas.

• Occasionally enters homes but is not typically an indoor breeder.

Surinam Cockroach

• Light brown and unique for being all female in the U.S., reproducing through cloning.

• Mostly found in tropical greenhouses or potted plants.

Similar Insects Often Confused with Cockroaches:

Waterbugs vs. Cockroaches

• “Waterbug” is a common nickname for oriental cockroaches.

• Actual waterbugs are aquatic insects and are not true roaches.

Palmetto Bugs vs. American Cockroaches

• “Palmetto bug” is a regional nickname for American cockroaches in the Southeast.

Other Look-alike Insects

• Ground beetles and crickets can be mistaken for roaches due to shape or color but don’t carry the same health risks.

Cockroach Infestation Signs and Prevention:

Common Signs of a Cockroach Infestation

• Droppings: Small, black, pepper-like specks.
• Shed skins: Roaches shed as they grow.
• Unpleasant odors: A musty or oily smell in enclosed areas.
• Smear marks: Along walls and baseboards where they travel.

What Attracts Cockroaches to Your Home

• Food crumbs, dirty dishes, and uncovered trash.
• Standing water or leaky pipes.
• Warm, dark hiding places.

Preventative Measures

Sanitation Practices

• Keep food sealed, dishes clean, and crumbs wiped up.
• Take out trash regularly and clean under appliances.

Sealing Entry Points

• Seal cracks, gaps around pipes, and under doors to keep roaches out.

Moisture Control

• Fix leaky faucets and use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements.

Cockroach Control Methods:

DIY Cockroach Control

Traps and Monitoring

• Sticky traps help identify hotspots and reduce population.

Boric Acid and Diatomaceous Earth

• Effective powders that damage the roach’s exoskeleton or digestive system.

Insecticidal Baits

• Roaches bring poisoned bait back to their nests, spreading it to others.

Natural Remedies

• Bay leaves, cucumber peels, and peppermint oil may repel, but are not a guaranteed fix.

Professional Cockroach Extermination

When to Call a Professional

• If DIY solutions don’t work or you’re dealing with recurring infestations.

Treatment Methods Used by Professionals

• Targeted gel baits, residual sprays, and growth regulators.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies

• Combines treatment with long-term prevention, reducing the need for repeated chemical use.

For more on solutions, check out our blog on how to get rid of roaches.

Health Risks Associated with Cockroach Infestations:

Diseases Carried by Cockroaches

• Roaches spread Salmonella, E. coli, and parasitic worms.

• Bacteria from their bodies can transfer to food, kitchen surfaces, and utensils.

Allergies and Asthma Triggers

• Their droppings, saliva, and shed skin contain allergens.

• These can worsen asthma, especially in children.

Psychological Impact

• Infestations can lead to anxiety, poor sleep, and embarrassment, especially when guests notice.

Cockroach Biology and Behavior:

Social Behavior and Communication

• Cockroaches use pheromones to communicate and gather in groups.

Feeding Habits

• Omnivores—they’ll eat anything, from crumbs to glue to soap.

Survival Adaptations

• Can survive weeks without food, squeeze into tight spaces, and even live for days without a head.

Natural Predators

• Include spiders, birds, frogs, and some types of wasps. But in your home, you’ll want more reliable solutions.

Managing Cockroaches

Cockroaches live about 6 months to over a year, depending on the species. But they don’t need much time to become a problem. A single female German cockroach can produce thousands of offspring in just one year.

Once you spot one, there are likely many more hiding nearby. Roaches breed quickly, hide well, and are hard to eliminate without expert help.

Contact a pest control professional today to evaluate your home and implement a targeted, safe, and long-lasting treatment plan.

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