Cockroaches
Blattella germanica (German cockroach) and Periplaneta americana (American cockroach) · Cockroaches
Cockroaches are flat, fast-running insects that hide by day in warm, damp cracks and come out at night to feed on almost any food scrap. The small German cockroach breeds entirely indoors, mostly in kitchens and bathrooms, while the much larger American cockroach usually wanders in from sewers, drains or outdoors. Both can contaminate food, and roach allergens are linked to asthma, especially in children.
Look for: German: light brown, about 1/2 inch, with two dark stripes behind the head; American: reddish-brown, up to 2 inches, with a pale band around the edge of the shield behind the head.
Quick facts
| Size | 6-50 mm |
|---|---|
| Legs | 6 |
| Usual colors | brown, tan |
| Where in the home | Kitchen, Bathroom |
| Active | All year |
| Peak | No clear peak |
| Bites or stings people | No |
Seasons are typical across much of the U.S. and vary by region.
Peak season Active Typical across much of the U.S.; varies by region.
Sources
Not sure this is your bug? Try the Bug Identifier or ask your local Cooperative Extension office.