The 5 Most Common Types of Cockroaches In New York & New Jersey

1. German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)

• How To Identify German Cockroaches: The German cockroach is a small species, typically measuring around half an inch in length. It is light brown with two distinctive dark stripes on its pronotum.
• Where Do German Roaches Hide: German cockroaches tend to seek out warm, humid areas. They commonly hide in kitchens, bathrooms, and around appliances.
• How To Get Rid of German Roaches: To combat German roaches, focus on maintaining a clean living space. Regularly clean and sanitize your kitchen, seal food in airtight containers, and eliminate standing water. Consider using roach baits and insecticides to target their hiding spots.

2. American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)

• How To Identify American Cockroaches: Often referred to as the "palmetto bug," the American cockroach is one of the largest cockroach species, measuring up to two inches in length. It is reddish-brown and has well-developed wings.
• Where Do American Roaches Hide: American roaches favor dark, damp areas such as basements, sewers, and crawl spaces. They are also commonly found in garbage areas.
• How To Get Rid of German Roaches: Reducing moisture is crucial in controlling American cockroaches. Use dehumidifiers, fix leaks promptly, and seal cracks in your home. Regularly dispose of trash and employ insecticides in infested areas.

3. Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)

• How To Identify Oriental Cockroaches: The Oriental cockroach, also known as the "water bug" or "black beetle," is shiny and black in color. It is a bit smaller than the American cockroach.
• Where Do Oriental Roaches Hide: These cockroaches thrive in cool, damp conditions. Common hiding spots include basements, crawl spaces, and around drains.
• How To Get Rid of Oriental Roaches: Improve ventilation in areas prone to moisture buildup. Seal cracks and crevices, fix leaks, and ensure proper drainage. Insecticides and baits can be effective in controlling Oriental cockroach populations.

4. Brown-Banded Cockroach (Supella longipalpa)

• How To Identify Brown-Banded Cockroaches: The brown-banded cockroach is smaller than the German cockroach, measuring around half an inch in length. It gets its name from the two distinctive light bands across its dark brown abdomen.
• Where Do Brown-Banded Roaches Hide: Brown-banded cockroaches prefer warm, dry environments. They often hide in secluded areas like closets, behind pictures, and in furniture.
• How To Get Rid of Brown-Banded Roaches: Targeting specific hiding spots is crucial in controlling brown-banded cockroaches. Use gel baits and insecticidal dust in areas where they congregate. Regular vacuuming and thorough cleaning help eliminate food sources.

5. Smokybrown Cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa)

• How To Identify Smokybrown Cockroaches: The smokybrown cockroach is a large species with a dark mahogany color. It has long wings that extend beyond its body.
• Where Do Smokybrown Roaches Hide: These cockroaches are attracted to moisture and warmth. They are commonly found in attics, basements, and outdoor areas with decaying organic matter.
• How To Get Rid of Smokybrown Roaches: Reduce outdoor hiding spots by cleaning up debris and leaf litter around your property. Seal entry points and use insecticides outdoors. Indoors, focus on reducing humidity, fixing leaks, and employing roach baits.

Professional Roach Exterminators

While cockroaches are unwelcome guests in any home, understanding their habits and habitats is the first step in effective control. By maintaining cleanliness, reducing moisture, and employing targeted pest control methods, you can minimize the presence of these resilient insects in your living space. Remember, a proactive approach is key to keeping your home roach-free! Learn how to prevent cockroaches in your home.

If you are looking for comprehensive cockroach control, contact our team at Superior Pest Elimination. With over 20 years of experience, our team of pest control experts can protect your home from a variety of common household pests, including common species of roaches. Call us to prevent a cockroach infestation today!