Albino Cockroaches
These are not separate species but rather newly molted cockroaches. After shedding their old skin, they appear white or “albino.” As their new exoskeleton hardens, they'll regain their typical color, often within a few hours.
American Cockroaches
One of the largest species, American cockroaches, are reddish-brown with a yellow figure-eight pattern behind their heads. They primarily live in warm and humid environments, often found in basements or sewer systems, and are notorious for spreading various diseases.
Asian Cockroaches
Very similar in appearance to German cockroaches, Asian cockroaches are attracted to light, unlike their German counterparts. Native to Asia, they have become a significant nuisance in the southern U.S., often infesting gardens and lawns.
Australian Cockroaches
Resembling American cockroaches but smaller, Australian cockroaches have a yellow margin on their thorax and yellow streaks on their wings. They're typically found in the Southern U.S., thriving in warm, humid environments and often infesting greenhouses.
Brown Banded Cockroaches
Recognized by alternating light and dark bands across their bodies, they prefer drier locations than other species. Often found in cabinets, closets, or near ceilings, they have a shorter lifespan than other cockroaches.
Cinerous Lobster Cockroaches
These cockroaches are native to Central America and have a unique dark and light striping reminiscent of a lobster's pattern. They are not typical household pests but are often kept as pets or used as feeders in the reptile community.
Cuban Cockroaches
Bright green and native to Cuba, these roaches are attracted to light. They primarily live outdoors in shrubs and trees and are flying cockroaches. In the U.S., they're primarily found in Florida and the Gulf Coast states.
Death Head Cockroaches
Named for the unique pattern on their thorax resembling a skull, they are burrowing roaches and can grow quite large. Native to Africa, they're typically kept as pets due to their unique appearance.
Field Cockroaches
These are smaller roaches, often mistaken for German roaches. Primarily found in the southwestern U.S., they live outdoors, feeding on plant material and occasionally venturing indoors.
Florida Woods Cockroaches
Also called “stinking roaches,” they release a foul-smelling defensive secretion. They're large, dark brown, and primarily found in Florida, living outdoors in damp, wooded areas.
Flying Cockroaches
Many cockroach species have wings, but not all are good fliers. Flying cockroaches are more common in tropical climates, easily navigating from one location to another.
German Cockroaches
Small, light brown, and bearing two dark stripes behind their head, they're the most common indoor cockroach species. Prolific breeders they're a significant concern for homeowners and businesses alike.
Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches
Native to Madagascar, these large cockroaches hiss by expelling air through their breathing holes. They are wingless, have a brownish color, and are popular in the pet trade due to their size and unique sound.
Madeira Cockroaches
Originating from Africa, these cockroaches are medium-sized, glossy, and dark brown. They prefer outdoor environments, often hiding under bark or rocks.
Oriental Cockroaches
Dark and shiny, they're sometimes called "water bugs" due to their preference for damp environments. They emit a strong, unpleasant odor and can be found in basements, sewers, and other wet areas.
Pacific Beetle Cockroaches
Unique because they can produce a luminous bacterial secretion, these cockroaches are found in the Pacific region. They have a shiny, dark exterior and are not typical household pests.
Pale Bordered Field Cockroaches
Strikingly marked with contrasting black and red or orange colors, they are native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. They're mostly found outdoors and are attracted to lights.
Sand Cockroaches
These are desert dwellers, primarily found in American Southwest regions. They're non-invasive, mostly underground, surfacing only to feed on plant material.
Smoky Brown Cockroaches
These are large, uniformly dark brown cockroaches, common in the southeastern U.S. They're strong fliers and prefer outdoor environments but will invade homes in search of food and moisture.
Surinam Cockroaches
These burrowing roaches are unique as populations consist only of females. They reproduce through parthenogenesis. They're dark brown with a lighter, tan prothorax and are typically in subtropical or tropical climates.
Turkestan Cockroaches
Originating from Central Asia, they have spread to the southwestern U.S. Males are rusty red, while females are dark brown with cream-colored markings. They're fast breeders, often replacing other roach species in the same environment.
Wood Cockroaches
As the name suggests, they inhabit wooded areas, especially decaying logs and stumps. They're not home invaders but can be brought into homes with firewood. They're brown, and many species have wings, making them good fliers.