a cockroach outside of a home in fruit cove florida

What Do Cockroaches Look Like?

Cockroaches are oval-shaped insects with flat, oily bodies. Cockroaches have six legs and special pads that allow them to walk on ceilings and walls. Cockroaches have wings that lie flat against their backs, although not all cockroaches fly.

an illustration of a cockroach

American Cockroaches

Also called “palmetto bugs,” they are the largest domestic cockroach in the United States. Despite their large size, they are very flat and can squeeze under doors and into small cracks. They are reddish-brown and at full size, have an average length of 1 ¾ inches. American cockroaches will quickly scurry out of sight when someone enters the room.

 


an american cockroach in a home in jacksonville florida

Learn More About American Cockroaches

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches can be a serious health hazard in residential environments and commercial facilities, typically found in kitchens and bathrooms of homes, restaurants, and hotels. They are brown with an average length of 5/8 inch as adults. German roaches leave behind fecal matter that looks like black pepper and can trigger asthma and allergies. If there is a large number in the home, they will produce a foul odor. They're often found in dark areas with food, moisture, and warmth, like behind stoves and refrigerators. Controlling German cockroaches requires strict harborage reduction and baiting programs.

a german cockroach in a home in saint augustine florida

Learn More About German Cockroaches

 

Asian Cockroaches

Almost identical to German cockroaches, you can tell them apart only because the Asian cockroach can fly and German roaches don’t. Additionally, Asian cockroaches rarely come indoors, unlike the German cockroach. Similar to German cockroaches, Asian roaches carry germs and can spread diseases to humans.

two asian cockroaches in a kitchen in atlantic beach florida

Surinam Cockroaches

Light or dark brown with olive-green wings and a shiny black head, this cockroach species rarely infest a human habitat as they prefer soil, but they will damage gardens in southern states.


a surinam cockroach in a home in jacksonville beach florida

 

Australian Cockroaches

Found in moist areas where the temperature is warm, the Australian cockroach will seek out indoor dwellings for survival if temperatures get too cold. While they look very similar to American cockroaches, Australian cockroaches are smaller and have light yellow stripes on their abdomens.

an australian cockroach in a home in jacksonville florida

When Are Cockroaches Most Active?

Cockroaches are primarily active at night, as they come out of hiding in search of mates and food.

What Attracts Cockroaches?

Cockroaches are a year-round problem and are attracted to moisture, such as the dripping faucet in the bathroom, the wet bath mat, or a leaky pipe in the basement. They're also attracted to food or crumbs left on counters, dirty dishes in sinks, and crumbs that aren't swept off floors.

Are Cockroaches Dangerous?

Cockroaches can cause respiratory issues or trigger asthma and allergies in humans, especially children. They can also transmit diseases and infections to humans, making them dangerous to our health. Common diseases and infections caused by cockroaches or their droppings include Gastroenteritis, Salmonellosis, Cholera, and Dysentery.

How Do I Get Rid of Cockroaches?

Because cockroaches quickly adapt to any environment, they thrive pretty much anywhere they take up residence. This adaptability makes it challenging to control, and it is recommended that you call an experienced pest control company to get rid of cockroaches. At Lindsey Pest Services, we've provided effective roach control since 1957 and use several techniques and tools to eliminate these pests. Cooperation from the owner is a must to eliminate cockroach attractants and the entry points they use.

Helpful Cockroach Articles

What Every Palm Valley Resident Ought To Know About American Cockroaches

Just How Dangerous Is It To Have Cockroaches In My Jacksonville Home?

Eight Effective Cockroach-Control Tips For Jacksonville Property Owners

Four Sure Signs Your Jacksonville Home Has A Cockroach Problem

 
 

Schedule Your Free Inspection

Complete the form below to schedule your no obligation inspection.

or call (904) 350-9406