Content

• Steps
• Advice

Even if mankind disappears on this earth, then cockroaches are still alive. However, this does not mean they are allowed to crawl in your home indefinitely. To deal with cockroach infestation, you first need to know what cockroaches are living in your home. Many people are unaware that there are actually four types of cockroaches that live in the house as a pest. The problem is much easier to solve if you know what cockroach you're dealing with.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Identification of brown-striped cockroaches

1. 

   Estimate the size of the cockroach. Brown striped cockroach is about 1 cm long and is one of the smallest species of cockroaches. For the sake of comparison, imagine a brown striped cockroach slightly smaller than a US penny (diameter 19 mm) (excluding beard length, of course).

2. 

   
   
   Look for golden brown stripes. Perhaps contrary to what you might think, the name brown-striped cockroach is actually from the yellow stripes on the insect's body. Look for two stripes - one very thick at the end of the abdomen and a thinner one across the middle of the abdomen.

3. 

   Consider the climate where you live. Brown-striped cockroaches usually live only in hot, dry climates. If you have cockroaches in your home, but you live in a humid climate with low or medium temperatures, it's probably another cockroach species.

4. 

   
   
   Check out any water sources nearby. Brown-striped cockroaches do not like water - so they usually do not live near any water source. If you find a cockroach that lives near a sink or toilet, chances are it's not a brown-striped cockroach.

5. 

   Notice if the cockroach can fly. Unlike German cockroaches, brown striped cockroaches will fly away when disturbed. If you see a small cockroach fluttering by, it is most likely brown-striped cockroach. advertisement

Method 2 of 4: Identification of German cockroaches

1. 

   
   
   Note the size of the cockroach. German cockroaches are slightly larger than brown-striped cockroaches. They can reach 1.3 cm in length, which is the size of a US cent (as above, you need to subtract the length of the beard).

2. 

   Find two dark stripes. The most recognizable feature of German cockroaches is the two parallel stripes running from the back of the cockroach's head to the wing. These stripes are dark brown and sometimes almost black.

3. 

   Check if the cockroach is near a water source. German cockroaches like to live in warm and humid regions. You can often see them in the kitchen or bathroom, lurking next to the dishwasher or sink. German cockroaches are also notorious for appearing in trash cans where they find most of their food.

4. 

   In terms of the number of cockroaches. The German cockroach ranks first among domestic cockroaches in large numbers. If you think cockroaches are circulating indoors, chances are it's German cockroaches. advertisement

Method 3 of 4: Identification of American cockroaches

1. 

   Observe the size of the cockroach. American cockroaches are considered the largest cockroach species with a length of up to 5 cm. If you place this cockroach next to a 25 US coin (about 2.4 cm diameter) the coin will be only the size of the cockroach.

2. 

   Pay attention to the color of the cockroach. American cockroaches are unique compared to other cockroaches in that they have a reddish-brown color and an amber glow. Most other cockroaches species are gray-brown in color. Check to see if the cockroach glows red. Also, look for two large, dark spots on the shoulders of this cockroach - that is the only part of the insect that doesn't have red color.

3. 

   Observe the cockroach's shiny exterior shell. American cockroaches are also the most polished of cockroaches. Their outer shell, consisting of the body and wings, could be called shiny, but not beautiful.

4. 

   Consider this cockroach's food. American cockroaches have a reputation for eating only foods with moisture - like human and pet food - which makes them not only a problem for each person but also a problem in the home. If you see a large cockroach eating your or your dog's food, chances are it is an American cockroach. advertisement

Method 4 of 4: Identifying oriental cockroaches

1. 

   Check the size of the cockroach. Oriental cockroaches are usually about 2.5 cm long, slightly larger than a US cent. Their bodies are tubular, meaning there is not much difference from head to toe. Female cockroaches are larger than male cockroaches.

2. 

   Look at the cockroach colors. Oriental cockroaches are dark brown in color. When under certain light, this cockroach can look black. Aside from its distinctive color, the Oriental cockroach does not have any outstanding mark.

3. 

   Notice the wings of the Oriental cockroach. The Eastern cockroaches do not actually have wings. Male cockroaches have short, fat wings that cover three-quarters of their body, but even with wings they cannot fly.

4. 

   Observe the area where you see the monitor. Oriental cockroaches can survive a long, cold, outdoor winter by getting under moss or other cover material. When indoors, they will stay in a dark, damp place. In particular, this cockroach often lives in water pipes and cool and dark basements.

5. 

   Areas infested by Oriental cockroaches often smell unpleasant from the chemicals they release to communicate with each other. advertisement

Advice

• Brown-striped cockroaches often lurk in warm, untouched areas, such as in the overhead compartments of shelves or wall cabinets.
• German cockroaches usually live in areas where food is available, for example in the kitchen.
• If your home has been infested with cockroaches, be careful when handling them. If you leave out even one area, the cockroaches will again multiply and your home will be invaded again.
• If you have a problem with cockroaches, keep the food in sealed containers to prevent infection. You should also put the trash in a sealed container.
• Oriental cockroaches usually enter homes through sewers and pipes, and reside in dark and cool areas, such as the basement.