Common Types of Cockroaches in California

Appearance

• Light brown/tan oval body with 6 legs and wings
• 2 side-by-side dark stripes on back of head
• About 1/2 inch long
• Antennae much longer than body

Behavior

One of the most common species in California. Scavengers found in kitchens and pantries. Also like warmth and humidity, so common in electronics and bathrooms.

Life Cycle

Fastest reproduction of all species. Mature in 60 days, live 20-30 weeks. Females produce up to 40 eggs every 1-2 months. Nymphs molt up to 7 times.

Treatment

Many have developed pesticide resistance. Use several different cockroach pesticides to ensure populations are kept under control.

Appearance

• Brown oval body with 6 legs and wings
• Light color band across back (females/nymphs)
• Dark bands on males
• 1/2 inch long (smallest residential species)

Behavior

Found in kitchens, pantries, bathrooms, and garages. Unique: prefer elevated areas instead of ground level. Primarily nocturnal and avoid light, making them difficult to detect.

Life Cycle

Develop in 20-24 weeks, live another 13-45 weeks as adults. Females produce up to 14 egg cases with up to 18 eggs each. Reproduce at frightening rates.

Treatment

Cockroach baits placed strategically on shelves in cupboards and bookcases. Place in elevated locations where they are most likely to be.

Appearance

• Reddish brown oval body with 6 legs and wings
• Up to 3 inches (largest household cockroach)
• 2 lighter colored rings behind head

Behavior

Prefer outdoors but now dominant in sewers. Follow drains into homes. Common hitchhikers from restaurants and grocery stores. Secrete allergens that cause asthma attacks.

Life Cycle

Longest lifespan: average 700 days, up to 1,370 days. Up to 970 days developing into adults. About 10 egg cases with 16 eggs each. Nymphs molt up to 13 times.

Treatment

Baits and roach motels are effective. Place in kitchen drawers, beside appliances (ovens, refrigerators), and under sinks.

Appearance

• Shiny black oval body with 6 legs
• About 1 inch long
• Males have short wings exposing bodies
• Females do not have wings at all

Behavior

Called "water bugs" because they prefer damp, humid areas. Found in bathrooms around drains, pipes, under sinks, sewers, and storm drains. Give off a musty odor.

Life Cycle

Reach adulthood after 6-10 nymph stages (24-130 weeks). Females produce about 8 egg cases with 15 eggs each. Survive another 6 months after reaching adulthood.

Treatment

Cockroach baits placed where there is moisture: under sinks, basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

Appearance

• Females: dark brown/black, 1 inch long
• Males: smaller, rusty colored with light wings
• Oval body with 6 legs and wings
• Cream colored edges on body

Behavior

Thrive outside in warm, dry climates. Build nests in undisturbed parts of yards. Attracted to light, which draws them indoors in evenings.

Life Cycle

Live up to 13 months. Produce an egg case with 14 eggs every 2 weeks. Up to 350 eggs over lifetime. Competing with German cockroaches for dominance.

Treatment

Outdoor baits and perimeter spray. They prefer to stay outdoors, so baits attract and kill them. Perimeter spray kills any that try to come inside.

Appearance

• Dark glossy brown oval body with 6 legs
• Up to 2 inches
• Dark wings that extend beyond the body

Behavior

Attracted to high humidity and heat. Prefer outdoors but come in when conditions are difficult or through open windows near lights. Often hitchhike in firewood and storage boxes.

Life Cycle

Take up to 320 days to reach maturity. Live another 6 months as adults. Females produce 10-20 egg cases with 20 eggs each.

Treatment

Perimeter spray is effective since they are outdoor cockroaches. When they cross the perimeter, they become infected and die off.

Appearance

• Greyish to olive color oval body
• 6 legs and wings
• 2 dark stripes on head
• 1/2 inch long

Behavior

Prefer to stay outdoors unless too dry and hot. May migrate inside during peak summer heat. Found in leaf piles and under shrubbery. Not deterred by light and active all day.

Life Cycle

Shortest lifespan: about 90 days. Produce 1-2 egg cases with up to 40 eggs each. Capable of rapid expansion in short periods.

Treatment

Outdoor baits and perimeter spray. Spray residual pesticide wherever they are seen and along the perimeter of the home to keep them out.