What Kind of Cockroach Do I Have (and Is It Dangerous)?

Serving Sun Prairie, WI

Worldwide, there are over 4,000 species of cockroaches. Of those thousands of cockroaches, however, only 30 share habitats with humans and are considered “pests.” 

Fortunately, there are only a handful of cockroaches in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest that can cause trouble. Unfortunately, there are still a handful of cockroach species that can cause trouble. 

Here’s what you need to know about the most common “pest” cockroaches in the Midwest:

• Watch out for the American cockroach, which is the largest roach species.
• German cockroaches are the most common in our area and are the sneakiest of the bunch.
• And watch out for the Oriental cockroach in the winter months since they can survive freezing temperatures.
• These roaches can be dangerous because they spread bacteria all over your home.
• It’s always best to get professional help from exterminators if you spot any of these roaches.

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Types of Roaches

American Cockroach

The American Cockroach is the largest home-invading cockroach and can grow up to two inches long. Not only are these among the largest species you can find in your home, but they can also fly. Terrifying, right? 

In addition to their size, you can tell these cockroaches apart from the rest by their reddish-brown coloration and the pale brown figure-eight band on the back of their heads. American Cockroaches are most commonly found outdoors (thank the stars), living under rocks and logs, but they do come indoors searching for food, water, and warmth.

German Cockroach

The German Cockroach is perhaps the most common cockroach species in our region. They’re much smaller than the American Cockroach at roughly half an inch fully grown. These cockroaches also have wings, but rarely fly. 

Along with being a much smaller cockroach, German Cockroaches are lighter brown and have a distinctive pair of dark stripes behind their head. German Cockroaches are commonly found in sewers and garbage and enter buildings through cracks and crevices. They’re also known to hitch rides on packages, boxes and second-hand goods coming into your home.

Oriental Cockroach

The Oriental Cockroach is also commonly known as the water bug. They get their nickname from hanging around very moist areas and often coming in through drains. 

These cockroaches grow to roughly one inch, with females being slightly larger than males. Oriental Cockroaches are easily identified by their dark brown (nearly black) and shiny coloration.

A strong musty smell also accompanies these pests. Oriental Cockroaches are able to survive freezing temperatures and move indoors for food via cracks, drains, and underneath doors.

Are These Cockroaches Dangerous?

Yes, all of these cockroaches are considered dangerous pests. Not in the fact that they may eat you in your sleep, but in that they spend a lot of time on some really gross stuff before they come into your home. 

While they’re crawling through things like sewers, garbage and other disgusting things, they can pick up a lot of bacteria that they then drag and spread around your home. Cockroaches are known for spreading things like Salmonella and other diseases that can cause vomiting, fever, and diarrhea.

So How Do I Get Rid of Roach Infestations?

Getting rid of these little monsters can be tough. They are really good at hiding and breed incredibly quickly. The best way to deal with a potential infestation is to contact a certified pest control specialist, like the ones we have at Wil-Kil Pest Control. 

We’ll identify the areas of infestation and properly eradicate the problem. Attempting a DIY solution could be dangerous to the people who live in your home and is usually not very effective anyway.

So if you suspect cockroaches in your home or business, contact Wil-Kil Pest Control today. We’ll get you started with a service quote!

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