When you venture into the kitchen for a late-night snack and spot cockroaches darting across the floor or countertops, your initial reaction might not be to identify the specific type of cockroach. Yet, with over 70 species in the U.S., and as fall’s cooler weather signals the approach of winter, certain common types in Florida might find their way into your home…

Cockroaches are more than just unsettling pests—they can trigger allergies and asthma attacks, spread harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, and contaminate food. Some individuals might develop allergies from contact with roach droppings or shed skin. Generally, some species thrive outdoors, and others are more likely to invade indoor spaces. Here’s a guide to identifying Florida’s most prevalent cockroach species and essential information about each. 

American Cockroach

The German cockroach is the most prevalent type in the U.S. and the one you’re likely to see in large numbers. According to the University of Florida’s entomologists, “The German cockroach is the cockroach of concern, the species that gives all other cockroaches a bad name.” 

Unlike the American cockroach, German cockroaches thrive indoors and can quickly overrun your home if not addressed. They spread their eggs from room to room, and a single female—who needs only to mate once—can produce a generation with tens of thousands of offspring in a single year.  These roaches are adept travelers and can enter your home through paper bags, cardboard boxes, used furniture, and appliances. 

How to identify American cockroaches:

• Dark brown to reddish bodies 
• Approximately three inches long 
• Straight antennae
• Six spiny legs
• Two wings extending beyond their body length 

German Cockroach

This is the most common type of cockroach in the country and the one you’re likely to see when you discover several at a time. The University of Florida’s entomologists put it this way; “The German cockroach is the cockroach of concern, the species that gives all other cockroaches a bad name.”

Unlike the American cockroach, German roaches are right at home inside your house. They will take over your home if left unaddressed. If they move from one room to another, they will lay eggs all along the way. One female—who only needs to mate one time to reproduce all their lives—is able to produce a generation that can have tens of thousands more offspring in one year.

German cockroaches are opportunistic travelers, with several ways to come into your home, including in paper bags and cardboard boxes, used furniture, and used appliances.

How to identify German cockroaches:

• Light brown or tan bodies
• About half an inch in length
• Horizontal stripes beginning at their heads
• Six spiny legs

Asian Cockroach

Asian cockroaches, often confused with German cockroaches, are notably stronger fliers and prefer outdoor habitats. They have been present in Florida since the 1980s and are now common throughout the Southeast. Like American cockroaches, they are attracted to shaded areas, mulch, and gardens. They are particularly drawn to light and can often be found near TVs, computers, and light bulbs. 

How to identify Asian cockroaches:

• Very similar to German cockroaches but with longer wings 

Smokybrown Cockroach

Smokybrown cockroaches are robust fliers that seek out warm, moist environments to protect themselves from the elements. They are prone to dehydration and constantly search for water sources. You might spot them around leaves, under mulch in your garden, and in tree holes where they feed on decaying matter. 

How to identify Smokybrown cockroaches:

• Dark brown to blackish-brown coloring 
• Curved antennae
• Six spiny legs
• About an inch long 
• Wings extending beyond their bodies 

Turn to Turner for Cockroach Infestations 

If you’re dealing with a roach issue—especially a significant infestation of German cockroaches—DIY pest control methods are generally ineffective. Household chemicals often fall short, so professional intervention is recommended. Experts use integrated pest management (IPM) techniques and a multi-faceted approach to eliminate infestations and prevent future occurrences.  

Don’t let these unsanitary and hazardous pests take over your home! Turner Pest Control offers cost-effective pest control plans that address both indoor and outdoor roach entry points, protect your home from external threats, and establish barriers to keep these loiterers at bay. Get a free quote today.