How to Identify Roaches

Cockroaches have the ability to get themselves into unexpected places.

Cockroaches or roaches are a common pest that can be very difficult to remove. These insects are known to breed very rapidly, and their small size and shape allows them to hide easily. Millions of dollars every year are spent on researching these pests and getting rid of them. Look out for roaches in homes, hospitals, warehouses and other buildings. The key is to be able to identify them properly so that you know exactly what you are dealing with. Roaches are often identified by where they inhabit.

Things You'll Need

• Access to an exterminator or a home-safe product if you determine that you have a roach infestation.

Instructions

1. Keep an eye out for medium-to-long, dark brown insects with black features, wide bodies and long antennas. One species of cockroach, known as the smoky brown cockroach, sometimes have white segments on their antennae and on their backs.

2. Look for wings. When a cockroach reaches maturity, they develop thin wings that look like transparent membranes. Be aware that young cockroaches (nymphs) do not have wings. Nymphs will still have the same basic shape of a mature roach and long antennas as well.

3. Identify the species of cockroach that may infest your area. German cockroaches are often found inside. These particular roaches prefer warm, moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms and frequently make their homes in places such as apartment buildings. Oriental cockroaches prefer cooler, wetter places such as basements or near water drains. Smoky brown or American roaches prefer places such as attics or garages and are commonly found in warm humid areas. Brownbanded roaches are often found in warm areas in the midst of clutter or hiding in furniture legs or behind picture frames. Turkestan roaches are commonly found in water meter boxes, cracks between blocks of poured concrete, compost piles, leaf litter and in potted plants. These roaches are often found in outside gardens. Field roaches are also found in garden settings and are more unusual based on the fact because they are grayish in color while other roaches are different shades of brown with black features.

4. Call an exterminator or buy a home-safe product at a supermarket based on the knowledge that you have. All species of roaches have different vulnerabilities to certain chemical applications.

References

• UC Davis: Cockroach Identification