At a Glace
- ColorReddish-brown to black
- Size12mm - 50mm
- WingsVaries by species
What do cockroaches look like?
Cockroach behavior and diet
Cockroaches have been around for millions of years. Because they’re so resilient, they often remain out of sight from predators and only are seen when they’re looking for food.
Quick facts
- DietThey will eat almost anything: starch, sweets, grease, and even glue.
- Attracted toFood crumbs, garbage, pet food, and standing water.
- FlightMost species have wings but rarely fly; they are built for speed on foot.
Do cockroaches bite or sting?
Roaches can bite people, but it is rare and typically not harmful. However, they are able to pass harmful pathogens and can be troublesome for people with asthma.
Cockroach habitat: Where do cockroaches live?
Cockroaches tend to live in nests that are located in dark, warm, and enclosed spaces that are out of sight of humans.
What does a cockroach nest look like?
It’s difficult to find roach nests because they remain out of sight. Usually behind refrigerators or near plumbing.
Where Are Cockroaches Found Around Your Home?
Cockroaches will tend to be in places around your home that are close to food and water sources, or places that are dark and secluded.
Common hotspots
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur cdolor col adipiscing elit. Integer mattis nunc augue vel lacinia erat euismod ut. Sed eleifend tellus nonole tincidunt aliquet. Fusce aliquam mi felis.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur cdolor col adipiscing elit. Integer mattis nunc augue vel lacinia erat euismod ut. Sed eleifend tellus nonole tincidunt aliquet. Fusce aliquam mi felis.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur cdolor col adipiscing elit. Integer mattis nunc augue vel lacinia erat euismod ut. Sed eleifend tellus nonole tincidunt aliquet. Fusce aliquam mi felis.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur cdolor col adipiscing elit. Integer mattis nunc augue vel lacinia erat euismod ut. Sed eleifend tellus nonole tincidunt aliquet. Fusce aliquam mi felis.
Cockroach seasonality and activity
Seasonal activity
Cockroach season typically begins when the weather changes from cool to warm, in the spring into the summer, but it depends on where you live. In areas like Florida and Texas, they can be active year round.
Cockroach lifecycle
There are three main stages in the cockroach lifecycle where cockroaches start as eggs, develop into nymphs, and mature into adults. Take a look at each stage here.
FURTHER READING
Other cockroach facts
There are many other interesting facts about cockroaches where our entomologists go into more detail about how cockroaches behave. Check them out here:
How to get rid of cockroaches
Knowing your enemy is the first step, but you can also take some steps on your own to combat cockroaches.
What are the signs of cockroaches?
Cockroach eggs
Cockroaches lay ootheca – oblong, brown castings that house many eggs.
Cockroach droppings
Roach feces can often look like specks of pepper, brown stains, coffee grounds, or oval pellets
Musty odor
Large infestations can create a noticeable smell due to their pheromone output, excrement, and other secretions.
Live or dead roaches
You’ll be most likely to see a roach at night when you enter a room and turn on the light.
DIY roach control
When you see a cockroach in your house, the first instinct is to see how you can take care of the problem yourself. Most times, you may see early success, but most DIY roach solutions will temporarily provide relief, while the source of the infestation continues to grow. Here are common DIY solutions.
Cockroach Traps
Sticky glue traps catch roaches in high-traffic areas, helping you monitor activity and reduce populations over time.
Vinegar
A diluted white vinegar solution can clean surfaces and disrupt scent trails roaches use to navigate your home.
Electronic Repellent
Ultrasonic plug-in devices emit high-frequency sound waves designed to deter roaches from treated areas.
Roach Foggers
Bug foggers release pesticide mist throughout a room, reaching cracks and crevices where roaches hide.
FURTHER READING
Cockroach prevention tips
When you see a cockroach in your house, the first instinct is to see how you can take care of the problem yourself. Most times, you may see early success, but most DIY roach solutions will temporarily provide relief, while the source of the infestation continues to grow. Here are common DIY solutions.
Seal entry points
Close gaps around doors, windows, and foundation.
Clean dirty surfaces
Wipe down dirty surfaces, remove hiding places on the floor
Remove their food
Crumbs, spills, and open pet food are a buffet for roaches.
Inspect items
If moving in storage boxes & packages, inspect carefully before bringing inside.