What Are the Most Common Types of Cockroaches In the Southeastern United States?

Cockroaches are one of those pests no one likes to encounter. The most common ones you’ll find in the Southeastern United States include American roaches, Asian roaches, Oriental roaches, German roaches, and Smokybrown roaches.

These roaches can cause complications for children and adults with asthma, and some even increase other allergens within your home. Additionally, they can contaminate food and spread harmful bacteria. If you’re dealing with cockroaches, you may be wondering what kind.

In this blog, the experts at Lookout Pest Control detail the cockroach species you’re most likely to find in our region, and what you need to know about them.

Identifying Cockroach Species in the Southeastern United States

Have roaches in your home? If they’re large, they’re most likely American cockroaches. If they’re small, they’re most likely German cockroaches. However, they may be any of these five species that are prevalent in the area:

American Cockroaches

• They are chestnut to light brown with light yellow bands around the shield behind their heads. 
• The largest cockroach in the Southeast, adults are usually about 2” long. 
• Male and female American cockroaches have wings and can fly short distances. 
• Their lifespan is roughly two years. 
• They are active at night and often found around water sources like pipes, sewers, and basements. Many have been found in kitchens and bathrooms. 
• They often cohabitate with smokybrown and Oriental cockroaches.

Asian Cockroaches

• Tan with double parallel strips on their backs. 
• They are a smaller species with adults measuring 1/2″ to 5/8″. 
• These roaches are also found outdoors usually under mulch, leaf litter, or high grass. They usually only come indoors when their outdoor habitat is disturbed. 
• Attracted to light. 
• Able to fly short distances. 
• They are often mistaken for German cockroaches. 

Oriental Cockroaches

• The Oriental cockroach is glossy with colors ranging from cherry to black. 
• They are large with adults measuring 1” to 1.25” long. 
• Males have short wings; females are wingless. 
• Their lifespan averages around six months. 
• Not normally found indoors. Instead, they are found outdoors where they feed primarily on decaying matter. 
• They are active at night

German Cockroaches

• Tan with dark brown parallel stripes on the back of their upper thorax. 
• Small with adults measuring 1/2″ to 5/8″ long. 
• Their lifespans are roughly twelve months. 
• Active at night and often found in kitchens near food and heat sources.

Smokybrown Cockroaches

• Smokey brown color as their name suggests. 
• Adults are fairly large, around 1.5” long. 
• They prefer habitats in neighborhoods with mature hardwood trees because they require high humidity and protection from the wind in their shelter.
• Can also be found in tree holes, attics, crawlspaces, and sheds.
• Mostly active at night.

Call Us If You Need Cockroach Control!

If you think you have a roach infestation, you should contact Lookout Pest Control right away. A roach infestation is unsanitary, and it can make your home a very unpleasant living space. We have the skills, experience, and equipment necessary to help you eliminate roaches from your home.

As leading roach control pros in the Southeastern United States, we can help to ensure that your home becomes a roach-free zone. If you’re ready to say goodbye to your stubborn houseguests, call Lookout Pest Control for a free estimate today!