There are several different types of cockroaches that are common to Arizona. These are known as the German Cockroach, American Cockroach, and Oriental Cockroach. These three cockroach types differ in appearance, behavior, and life cycle. Determining which type of cockroach you are dealing with can help in understanding how best to control and eradicate an infestation in your home.
German Cockroach
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Appearance
- Two dark parallel streaks
- Males are thin and narrow
- Females are round and stocky
- 10-15 mm in length
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Behavior
- Nocturnal & afraid of light, scurrying quickly
- Found near food, warmth, and moisture
- Omnivorous scavengers with a preference for greasy materials
- Leave chemical trails excreted from fecal matter
- Used for mating and swarming
- Transmits bacteria to surfaces
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Life
- Live up to a year
- Particularly common during winter months
- Create the largest colonies and infestations quickest due to high reproductive rate
- Reproductive cycle
- Produce eggs every 20-25 days
- 48 eggs per reproductive cycle
- Total more than 800 eggs per year per female
- Highest cockroach reproductive rate
American Cockroaches
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Appearance
- Reddish-brown in color
- Yellow coloring on head
- 1.5 inches in length
- Largest species of common cockroaches
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Behavior
- Prefer dark, damp, cool areas
- Often enter the home through plumbing like drains
- Often found in or near basements or bathrooms
- Omnivorous scavengers with a preference for starches and greasy material
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Life
- Live up to 2 years
- Typically seek warmer temperatures and food indoors during cooler months
- Reproductive cycle
- Produce 12-16 eggs per reproductive cycle
- Produce up to 150 offspring during their lifespan
Oriental Cockroaches
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Appearance
- Black & brown in color
- 1 inch in length
- Oily/shiny appearance
- Layered shell appearance
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Behavior
- Prefer dark, damp, cool areas
- Often enter the home through plumbing like drains
- Often found in or near basements or bathrooms
- Omnivorous scavengers with a preference for starches and greasy material
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Life
- Live less than 2 years
- Only reach adulthood for 1-4 months
- Often mistaken as water bugs
- Often referred to as black beetles, water bugs, or shade roaches
- Reproductive cycle
- Short reproductive window of opportunity
- Produce 12-16 eggs per cycle
Due to their reproductive life cycle, German Cockroaches pose the largest threat to Arizona homes. They spread quickly and aggressively, and are resistant to many types of insecticides. In order to eradicate any cockroach colony, the best approach is to consult an experienced professional who can diagnose and properly treat your home to remove the infestation regardless of the type of cockroach.
