The Roach Report: Recognizing, Understanding And Preventing The Most Common Cockroach Species

Cockroaches have been around for over 300 million years, evolving into some of the most resilient pests on the planet. With approximately 70 species found in the United States, only a handful commonly invade homes and businesses. Understanding their behavior, habitat preferences, and biology is crucial for effective pest management.

Cockroach species can generally be classified as Domestic or Peridomestic, based on their relationship with human environments.

Domestic cockroach infestations require strict management protocols, while peridomestic species can often be controlled through exclusion, habitat modification, and targeted treatments to prevent their entry into buildings.

8 Notable Cockroach Species

Below, we will take a deeper look at eight of the most notable cockroach species across the U.S., along with a closer look at those most relevant to Michigan.

1. American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)

The American cockroach is the largest of the common pest species, reaching lengths of 1½ to 2 inches. Recognizable by its reddish-brown color and yellowish figure-eight marking on the pronotum, this species is a formidable pest in commercial and residential spaces. Though it has fully developed wings, it prefers running over flying. American cockroaches thrive in warm, damp environments like sewers, basements, boiler rooms, and commercial kitchens, where they can scavenge for food.

A single female can produce up to 800 offspring in her lifetime, laying oothecae (egg cases) containing about 16 eggs. Development from egg to adult takes around 15 months, with adults living another 12 to 15 months. Known for their ability to spread pathogens, these cockroaches are a serious health concern, often contaminating food and surfaces with bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

2. German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)

The German cockroach is the most common and troublesome indoor cockroach, thriving in residential and commercial settings, especially kitchens and bathrooms. It is light brown or tan with two dark parallel stripes on its pronotum and measures about ½ inch long. Unlike some other species, the German cockroach rarely flies despite having wings.

German cockroaches are prolific breeders, and their reproductive capacity is apt to kick into high gear within three months of the first introduction. In optimum conditions, this cockroach will move from egg to adult in six to twelve weeks with females producing eggs in batches of 30-50. German cockroaches are negative phototropic (they avoid the light) and will typically congregate or “harbor” in groups in cracks, crevices and voids in dark areas and will come out in the dark to seek food near their harborage sites. 

Once breeding has commenced, German cockroaches simply require adequate food, water, and suitable harborage to hide and breed. Their reproductive capacity is TREMENDOUS and their life cycle, specifically their dropped and hidden eggs present the greatest challenge to achieving single visit pest management. 

A single female can produce up to 400 offspring in her lifetime, making infestations difficult to control. Their egg-to-adult cycle takes only weeks, meaning populations explode rapidly in the right conditions. These cockroaches are notorious for spreading E. coli, Salmonella. Their rapid reproductive cycle and resistance to many control methods make them one of the most challenging pest species to eliminate. Beyond their direct impact on food safety and hygiene, German cockroaches also contribute to indoor air pollution through the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

As cockroach populations grow, they produce a variety of VOCs, which are airborne chemical compounds that can affect air quality and human health. These compounds originate from multiple sources within an infestation, including cockroach feces, saliva, shed skins, and decomposition of dead individuals. The musty odor often associated with heavy German cockroach infestations is a direct result of these emissions. Some of the primary VOCs identified in cockroach-infested environments include hydrocarbons, aldehydes, and aliphatic acids, all of which contribute to the distinctive, pungent smell.

These airborne compounds are more than just an unpleasant nuisance; they can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to cockroach allergens, many of which are carried on VOCs and airborne particles, can significantly worsen symptoms in sensitive individuals. Pregnant Women, Children and Aged Adults or anyone with preexisting respiratory issues are particularly vulnerable, making German cockroach infestations a major concern in homes, schools, and healthcare facilities.

In addition to their health implications, VOCs from cockroach infestations can also signal the severity of an issue. The stronger the odor, the more extensive the infestation is likely to be. This scent acts as a form of chemical communication for the cockroaches themselves, helping them aggregate and locate suitable harborage areas. This is why even after an initial knockdown of a population, residual odors can continue to attract surviving individuals, reinforcing the need for thorough sanitation and remediation efforts.

We will discuss German Cockroach control efforts at length later in this report.

3. Smokybrown Cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa)

Closely related to the American cockroach, the Smokybrown cockroach is slightly smaller (about 1¼ inches long) and uniformly deep brown. It has fully functional wings and is an excellent flyer. This species prefers warm, humid outdoor environments, such as tree holes, attics, and greenhouses. Unlike German cockroaches, which prefer indoor environments, Smokybrown cockroaches are strongly attracted to light and often enter buildings through vents, gaps, and poorly sealed doors.

Females produce oothecae containing about 20 eggs, and the development from egg to adult takes approximately 600 days (about 1 and a half years). While not as common indoors, when infestations occur, they can quickly get out of control due to their strong flight ability and preference for moisture.

4. Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)

Often referred to as “waterbugs,” Oriental cockroaches are about 1 inch long and deep brown to black with a shiny, almost greasy appearance. Unlike most species on this list, they are poor climbers and move sluggishly. Oriental cockroaches prefer cool, damp environments, making them common in basements, crawl spaces, drains, and under porches.

Females deposit oothecae containing about 16 eggs, and the development from egg to adult can take up to a year, depending on environmental conditions. Adults live about six months. While they do not reproduce as quickly as German cockroaches, their preference for unsanitary environments makes them a significant vector for bacteria and pathogens.

5. Brown-Banded Cockroach (Supella longipalpa)

Named for the two lighter-colored bands across its wings and abdomen, the Brown-banded cockroach is one of the smallest species at about ½ inch long. Unlike other cockroach species that prefer damp environments, Brown-banded cockroaches favor drier areas and are commonly found in cabinets, ceilings, furniture, and electronics.

Females produce oothecae with about 18 eggs, and the development from egg to adult takes about 13 weeks (about 3 months). Adults can live up to 200 days (about 6 and a half months). These cockroaches are more common in homes than in restaurants or commercial kitchens, as they are not as dependent on moisture as other species.

6. Asian Cockroach (Blattella asahinai)

Almost identical in appearance to the German cockroach, the Asian cockroach measures ½ inch long and has two dark stripes on its pronotum. The key difference is their strong flight ability. They are primarily outdoor dwellers, commonly found in leaf litter, gardens, and shaded areas. However, they are highly attracted to light, often flying indoors at night.

Asian cockroaches reproduce quickly, with females producing oothecae containing about 35 eggs. The life cycle from egg to adult is around 60 days (about 2 months), making them a nuisance pest in many southeastern states.

7. Turkestan Cockroach (Periplaneta lateralis)

Recently becoming more prevalent in the southwestern U.S., the Turkestan cockroach exhibits sexual dimorphism: males are about 1 inch long, light brown with fully developed wings, while females are slightly larger, darker, and have shorter wings. Turkestan cockroaches are commonly found in water meter boxes, compost piles, and landscaping materials, where they reproduce rapidly. 

Females lay oothecae containing about 18 eggs, and the development from egg to adult takes approximately 7 months. Their increasing population is causing concern as they begin outcompeting other cockroach species in certain regions.

8. Australian Cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae)

Often mistaken for the American cockroach, the Australian cockroach is slightly smaller at 1 to 1¼ inches long, with a reddish-brown body and distinctive yellow markings on the pronotum and wing edges. They are strong fliers and thrive in warm, humid environments, often infesting greenhouses, attics, and garages.

Australian cockroaches primarily feed on decaying plant matter but will invade homes in search of food. Their life cycle from egg to adult takes around 6 to 12 months, and adults can live for over a year.

Cockroaches in Michigan

Another notable species in Michigan is the Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach (Parcoblatta pennsylvanica). Unlike other cockroaches on this list, this species is not considered a household pest. Males, which have long wings and are strong fliers, are often attracted to lights at night, while females, flightless, with shorter wings, remain closer to wooded areas. These cockroaches do not reproduce indoors, making them more of a nuisance than a true pest.

In Michigan, the German, American, and Oriental cockroaches are the most prevalent indoor species. German cockroaches are the most problematic, thriving in spaces where humans are comfortable. American cockroaches, though less common in homes, infest sewers, commercial buildings, and industrial sites. Oriental cockroaches, preferring cool, damp areas, are often found in basements and crawl spaces.

Pest Pros’ Approach to German Cockroach Control

Understanding the Challenge

German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) are not just household nuisances—they are a significant public health risk. As prolific breeders, they thrive in human environments, rapidly multiplying and contaminating food, surfaces, and air quality. Their uncanny ability to hide in the smallest crevices makes them one of the most challenging pests to eliminate.

Unlike other cockroach species, German roaches are true domestic pests, entirely reliant on human structures for survival. They prefer warm, humid environments and can quickly spread through multi-unit housing by traveling through walls, plumbing, and electrical wiring. Their negative phototropic (light-avoiding) nature typically keeps the infestation hidden until populations reach overwhelming levels.

Pest Pros’ Tactical Approach to German Cockroach Extermination

Pest Pros of Michigan takes an aggressive, systematic, and highly effective approach to controlling German cockroach infestations, incorporating HEPA vacuum removal of live insects, targeted application of non-repellent insecticides combined with insect growth regulators (IGRs) to disrupt the breeding cycle, highly effective residual dust treatments, and rotation of gel baits for maximum efficacy.

Step 1: Intensive Inspection and Initial Physical Removal

• Before applying any chemical treatment, Pest Pros thoroughly inspects the affected areas to identify harborage points and food sources.

• Technicians vacuum live roaches from harborages, cracks, crevices, and appliances to remove immediate infestations and reduce the capability of further breeding or developing insecticide resistance.

Step 2: Strategic Treatment Application

• Non-Repellent Insecticides: Non-repellent insecticides are crucial for effective German cockroach control because they allow for colony-wide transfer without triggering avoidance behaviors. Unlike traditional contact insecticides that repel pests, non-repellents remain undetectable, ensuring that roaches walk through treated areas, pick up the active ingredients, and unknowingly transfer them to others via physical contact and grooming. This leads to a slow but thorough population collapse, making them highly effective in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

• Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs): (S-Hydroprene) is a critical tool in German cockroach control because it is a synthetic analog that mimics the juvenile hormone, preventing nymphs from reaching reproductive maturity. By interfering with normal development, it breaks the lifecycle, reducing the number of new breeding adults. Over time, this leads to a population collapse as older roaches die off without being replaced. When used alongside non-repellent insecticides and gel baits, it enhances long-term control by stopping infestations from rebounding.

• Gel Baits: Bait is strategically placed in high-activity areas, particularly near food preparation surfaces, appliances, and cabinets. The bait is consumed by foraging roaches and spread through trophallaxis (fecal/oral transfer), ensuring secondary and tertiary kills. We rotate gel bait to prevent bait aversion and resistance in cockroach populations. Over time, German cockroaches can develop an aversion to specific bait formulations, either due to learned avoidance or genetic resistance. By alternating different active ingredients and bait matrices, we ensure continued effectiveness and prevent roaches from adapting to a single bait type. This strategy enhances long-term control and improves overall treatment success.

• Dust Treatments: Dust treatments are a critical component of effective cockroach control, particularly in areas where liquid treatments may not reach or hold up well over time. When applied to wall voids, plumbing penetrations, electrical outlets, and other hidden harborage points, insecticidal dust creates a long-lasting barrier that roaches inevitably encounter as they move through their environment. Unlike surface sprays, which can break down or be cleaned away, dust remains effective for extended periods, continuing to eliminate cockroaches long after the initial application. At Pest Pros of Michigan, the use of dust treatments is integrated into a comprehensive approach that combines targeted application with other proven control methods. By focusing on harborage areas and travel routes, we maximize exposure and ensure ongoing effectiveness, delivering reliable and lasting results against even the most persistent cockroach infestations.

Case Study: Extreme German Cockroach Infestation in Michigan

One of Pest Pros’ most challenging cases involved an elderly couple in Calhoun County, Michigan, whose home was overrun with tens of thousands of German cockroaches and bed bugs. The infestation had spiraled out of control over three or more years, exacerbated by mobility limitations that prevented cleaning and sanitation.

Key Challenges in This Case:

• Roaches were visible on every surface—walls, ceilings, appliances, furniture, and even personal belongings.

• The presence of decaying organic matter and food debris sustained an enormous cockroach population.

• DIY fogger treatments had worsened the problem by dispersing roaches into wall voids, ceilings, and other difficult-to-treat areas.

The Pest Pros Solution:

• Four technicians conducted a rapid HEPA vacuum clean-out, removing 10,000+ live roaches before ever applying chemical treatments.

• A 20-yard dumpster was rented to dispose of unsalvageable furniture and contaminated materials.

• A combination of non-repellent sprays, IGRs, and baiting was applied to eliminate roaches at all life stages.

• Within 24 hours, a dramatic reduction in roach activity was observed.

• Within 12 weeks (about 3 months), the infestation was completely eradicated with sustained follow-up treatments.

Key Takeaways from This Case:

1. Severe infestations require a multi-pronged attack: Vacuuming, sanitation, and chemical treatments work together.
2. IPM (Integrated Pest Management) is critical: Removal of food sources, harborage areas, and client cooperation is just as important as the treatment itself.
3. Professional pest control changes lives: This case wasn’t just about pest control; it was about restoring a home and improving quality of life.

Why Pest Pros’ Approach Works

Pest Pros of Michigan doesn’t rely on a single method— Our strategy combines industry-leading tactics and methods, hands-on removal, and client education. This approach ensures:

• Rapid knockdown of existing roach populations

• Complete disruption of reproduction cycles

• Long-term prevention through client cooperation and routine maintenance

By integrating non-repellent insecticides, IGRs, and baiting strategies with hands-on intervention, Pest Pros consistently delivers fast, effective, and lasting German cockroach control.

Final Thoughts: Pest Pros of Michigan—The Experts in German Cockroach Control

German cockroaches present one of the most persistent and dangerous pest challenges, but Pest Pros’ aggressive, science-backed strategy ensures complete elimination. Unlike DIY solutions that often worsen infestations, Pest Pros employs targeted treatments, expert inspections, and continuous monitoring to guarantee long-term success. If you’re dealing with German cockroaches, don’t wait, contact Pest Pros of Michigan for a professional, proven solution. 

Understanding the behavior, biology, and habitat preferences of ALL these cockroach species is crucial for effective pest control. Whether indoors or outdoors, cockroaches pose serious health risks, and their presence can quickly become an infestation if not managed properly. Keeping environments clean, dry, and sealed is key to preventing these resilient pests from establishing themselves in homes and businesses.