What Type of Roach Is This? Common Cockroaches Found in Homes

Written By Gianna Wittemen

If you’ve recently seen a cockroach in your home and wondered, “What type of roach is this?”, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask pest control professionals—especially when roaches start appearing in kitchens, bathrooms, or living spaces.

Correctly identifying the type of cockroach is essential for effective treatment. Different species behave differently, hide in different areas, and require different control methods. At R.H. Miller Pest Services, we commonly treat German cockroaches, American cockroaches, and brown banded cockroaches—the three most common roaches found in homes and businesses across our service area.

Why Roach Identification Is So Important

Homeowners frequently search “What type of roach is this?” for several key reasons:

  • Prevalence: German cockroaches are extremely common indoors and are a year-round problem.

  • Infestation Potential: Fast reproduction can turn a small issue into a serious infestation quickly.

  • Identification Confusion: Many roaches look similar but require different treatment approaches.

  • Control Difficulty: DIY methods often fail without proper species identification.

Knowing which roach you’re dealing with helps pest control professionals eliminate the infestation faster—and keep it from coming back.

If you’re still unsure which roach you’re seeing, a professional inspection can provide fast and accurate identification.

German Cockroaches (Most Common Indoor Roach)

German cockroaches are the most common and problematic cockroach species we encounter in residential and commercial properties.

How to Identify German Cockroaches

  • Small, light brown roaches

  • Two dark stripes behind the head

  • Usually seen at night

Where They Hide

  • Kitchens and bathrooms

  • Inside cabinets and drawers

  • Behind refrigerators and stoves

Why German Cockroaches Are So Hard to Eliminate

  • Rapid reproduction (hundreds of offspring from one female)

  • Strong resistance to many over-the-counter sprays

  • Infestations spread quickly between units in apartments and condos

German cockroach infestations almost always require professional pest control treatment.

American Cockroaches (Large Roaches Often Found Indoors)

American cockroaches are the largest roaches commonly found in homes, and their size alone often causes alarm.

How to Identify American Cockroaches

  • Large, reddish-brown bodies

  • Yellowish marking behind the head

  • Capable of short flights

Where They Are Found

  • Basements and crawl spaces

  • Drains and sewer lines

  • Commercial buildings and older homes

While they reproduce more slowly than German roaches, American cockroaches can live a long time and are difficult to control without professional help.

Brown Banded Cockroaches (Often Misidentified)

Brown banded cockroaches are smaller and frequently confused with German cockroaches—but their behavior is very different.

How to Identify Brown Banded Cockroaches

  • Light brown with visible banding across the body

  • Males can fly short distances

  • Often found higher up than other roaches

Where They Hide

  • Bedrooms and living rooms

  • Furniture and electronics

  • Behind wall décor and picture frames

Because they prefer dry areas, brown banded cockroaches are often overlooked until infestations become widespread.

Why Professional Roach Control Works Best

DIY treatments often fail because:

  • The wrong species is targeted

  • Over-the-counter sprays scatter roaches deeper into walls

  • Eggs and hidden nests are left untreated

At [Your Pest Control Company Name], we provide local cockroach control solutions designed specifically for the species found in your home. Our treatments focus on:

  • Accurate identification

  • Targeted baiting and treatment plans

  • Long-term prevention and monitoring

Still Asking “What Type of Roach Is This?” Call a Local Expert

If you’re seeing roaches in your home, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Whether it’s German, American, or brown banded cockroaches, early professional intervention saves time, money, and stress.


📞 Contact R.H Miller Pest Services today for a roach inspection and customized treatment plan.

Gianna Wittemen
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