How Big Are Cockroaches in the UK?

You may have asked yourself – how big are cockroaches? Thankfully, this common household insect is not as invasive as you might think. There are four species of cockroaches in the UK, and only a few are actually considered pests. In the UK, cockroaches typically grow between 12mm and 30mm long.

The largest species of cockroaches is the American cockroach, which is about 53mm long. These cockroaches are often mistaken for beetles. Their wings and body color are similar to beetles. They also fly. It’s a good idea to know your cockroach’s name so you can identify it in the first place.

The German cockroach measures about 13mm long and 16mm long. Its body is pale brown with two dark stripes behind its head. They live for about 12 months, and are one of the most common cockroach species in the UK. The Oriental cockroach is smaller than the German cockroach, but is similar to its larger cousin. Both types feed on leftover food and other organic matter.

A colony of cockroaches can be difficult to ignore. Even the smallest colonies can become uncontrollable, and it’s difficult to keep the cockroach population to a minimum. They’re omnivorous, and feed on anything from dead skin to dried leaves and rotten wood.