The American Cockroach/waterbug is usually the one seen when people brag about some “huge” roach they spotted. It can typically reach a body length of around two inches. It is a reddish-brown color.

Cockroaches are considered general feeders just about anything organic can become their next meal. They are primarily active at night, often seen scattering as you turn on a kitchen light. They are especially fond of any food crumbs that are left behind; so good basic housekeeping is one real deterrent

This is the smallest of the domestic roaches with a body length of only 3/8th of an inch. It has distinctive markings-pale brown bands alternating with darker brown bands, which gives it the name. It usually lives in solitary settings or very small groups. Female form egg cases of about 18 eggs in each generation. Like most roaches, it is active at night.

The German cockroach is the most common household pest. They are usually found in kitchens, and bathrooms, but can be in any portion of a heated structure. A nocturnal insect, German cockroaches remain hidden in dark secluded harborages during the daylight hours. If you see some during the day, it is a sure sign that a tremendous population exists.

Unlike the other common roaches, they are very small---with a body length of only ½ inch. The female produces 4-8 egg capsules in her lifetime. Each capsule contains about 48 eggs. She carries the capsule until the eggs are ready to hatch. This usually takes 28-30 days. Nymphs molt 6-7 times before becoming adults. The cockroach population can grow at least 3-4 generations each year, and can complete the life cycle in as six weeks.

Oriental cockroaches are usually black to dark brown, and are smaller than the American cockroach at about 1-¼ inches in body length. They can become numerous in damp, secluded areas such as crawl spaces, basements, and drains, and are occasionally called “water bugs” by mistake.

The oriental cockroach is often found in a bathtub because it lacks sticky pads on its feet and cannot climb the smooth sides.

The female produces about eight egg capsules in a lifetime with each containing 16 eggs. She deposits this capsule within 30 hours after its produced. The nymphs emerge and go through 10 molts before becoming adults. There is usually only about one generation per year, which takes more than 480 days to complete.

Oriental cockroaches seldom enter houses, but are mainly found outside near water sources or in the garage. They are also quite common in the sewers.