What is the Most Common Type of Cockroach?

When you notice an infestation of cockroaches, it is important to understand what kind they are. While the American cockroach is the largest and most common, there are many different types. It can be hard to distinguish them from each other and the different behaviors they exhibit. To help you determine which type of cockroach you have in your home, here are some common traits to look for.

The American Cockroach, also called a palmetto bug, water bug, and bombay canary, is the most common type of cockroach found in the United States. This type of cockroach grows up to 2 inches long with fully developed reddish-brown wings. It is a weak flier and prefers warm climates. It cannot survive long periods in temperatures below freezing.

The Oriental cockroach is another common cockroach. These roaches are small compared to other types and are black in color. Oriental cockroaches are usually about one-fourth of an inch in size. They live in damp areas and are sometimes mistaken for water bugs. Oriental cockroaches lack sticky pads on their feet and cannot climb smooth surfaces. These cockroaches are best kept outside, and will only come indoors if their outdoor habitat is disturbed.

There are many types of cockroaches in the U.S. and many of them can be problematic. The German cockroach, for example, can produce up to 30,000 baby roaches a year. It also has the ability to contaminate food and can cause allergic reactions.