What Are Cockroaches?

Cockroaches are hardy pests that can adapt to almost any environment. These invasive and dangerous creatures are found living worldwide. Cockroaches, if not prevented against, have the potential to become a problem in any Raleigh home or business. Cockroaches have flattened, oval-shaped bodies, and six legs that are covered in spines. Their long antennae are usually the same length or longer than their bodies.

Types of Cockroaches Found in North Carolina

The common species of cockroaches found in North Carolina are the German, American, Oriental, and Pennsylvania wood cockroach.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches have two black stripes running horizontally down behind their heads. Their bodies are light brown to tan in color. They are capable of flying, but rarely do. German cockroaches are the most common cockroach species found living throughout the world.

American Cockroaches

American cockroaches are the largest house-invading cockroach living in the United States. Their bodies are reddish-brown in color. They have a distinct yellowish figure-eight pattern located behind their heads. American cockroaches are strong fliers.

Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches are large, and they are reddish-brown to shiny-black in color. They are often called “water bugs” because they prefer to live outdoors in areas of high humidity. This species of cockroach is not capable of flight.

Wood Cockroaches

Pennsylvania wood cockroaches grow to between ¾ and 1 inch in length. They have dark brown bodies and tan wings. The male wood roach wings are longer than their bodies, while the female roach wings are small and they are not capable of flight.