3 most common types of cockroaches in Utah

Know Your Enemy: Identifying Common Cockroach Species

Cockroaches are unwelcome guests in any home or business. Accurate identification is the first step in effective cockroach control, as different species have unique behaviors and require specific treatment strategies. This guide will help you distinguish between the most common cockroach species you might encounter.  

1. German Cockroach ( Blattella germanica )  

Size: Small, typically ½ to ⅝ inch long.

• Color: Light brown to tan, with two dark stripes running lengthwise down their pronotum (the shield-like plate behind the head).  

• Habitat: Prefers warm, humid environments. Commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, pantries, and other areas with access to food and water. They are often found in cracks and crevices, behind appliances, and in cabinets.  

• Key Features: The two dark stripes on the pronotum are the most distinguishing characteristic. They are also excellent climbers.  

• Reproduction: Reproduce very quickly, making infestations difficult to control.  

2. American Cockroach ( Periplaneta americana )  

Size: Large, the largest common household cockroach, reaching 1 to 2 inches in length.  

• Color: Reddish-brown.  

• Habitat: Prefers warm, damp areas. Often found in sewers, basements, crawl spaces, and around drains. They can also be found outdoors in decaying wood and leaf litter.  

• Key Features: Large size and reddish-brown color. They can fly, though they more often run.  

• Lifespan: Have a relatively long lifespan compared to other roach species.  

3. Oriental Cockroach ( Blatta orientalis )  

Size: Medium-sized, about 1 inch long.  

• Color: Dark brown to black, sometimes with a shiny appearance.  

• Habitat: Prefers cool, damp areas. Often found in basements, crawl spaces, drains, and around decaying organic matter.

• Key Features: Dark color and preference for cooler temperatures. They are less active than other cockroach species.  

• Movement: Not as agile as other roaches; they tend to move more slowly.

Why Identification Matters:

Knowing which type of cockroach you're dealing with is crucial for effective treatment. Different species have different habits, food preferences, and preferred habitats. A professional pest control technician will be able to accurately identify the species and develop a tailored treatment plan to eliminate the infestation.  

If you're unsure about the type of cockroach you've seen, give us a call and we would be happy to help. Try to capture a dead one in a ziploc bag or take a picture of it. We will help you get rid of any cockroaches in your property!