Purdue University
Cooperative Extension Service
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907
Publication E-23
September 1976
HOW TO CONTROL COCKROACHES
Gary W. Bennett, Extension Entomologist
There are five kinds of cockroaches commonly found in Indiana. They vary somewhat in appearance and habits, but in general they are all rather large, flattened insects, brownish or dark in color and fast running. Roaches seek concealment in the daytime and also when disturbed at night.
They may be carried into homes in boxes, egg cartons, beverage cases and produce such as potatoes. In apartments and business houses, they readily migrate from one place to another along water pipes. Some species even enter homes from outdoors or come in through sewer openings.
KINDS OF ROACHES
The German roach is a common species found in kitchens. The adults are comparatively small (about 1/2 inch long), tan in color and often occur in large numbers. The immatures have dark markings which make them appear dark brown to black.
The American roach is reddish-brown and is the largest of the common roaches (about 1 1/2 inches in length at maturity).
It is found more often in food establishments than in homes. Houses and apartments near such establishments frequently become infested.
The oriental roach is also large but shiny black or very dark brown, and sometimes wingless. It is often called a "water bug" or "black beetle."
This species is frequently found in dampness and may enter homes through sewer
The German cockroach about twice natural size.
The Oriental cockroach--female at left, male at right. Both about twice natural size.
openings. It may likewise live outdoors during the summer months and move from home to home.
The brown-banded roach is a southern species but is often found in Indiana. It resembles the German roach in appearance and size but differs in habits. It may infest the entire home and does not confine itself to the kitchen or where there is food. Infestations usually start from luggage, furniture or other materials shipped from one place to another.
The woods roach normally lives under the loose bark of dead trees, logs or stumps. It sometimes invades homes built in or near wooded areas, but it does not thrive indoors. The male is dark brown with a paler stripe on the outer margins of the wings and is nearly an inch long. These males are fairly good fliers and often enter homes this way. They can also be carried in on firewood. The females are short-winged and resemble the oriental roach, but they are seldom found indoors.
Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics. State of Indiana, Purdue University and U. S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating H. G. Diesslin, Director. West Lafayette, Ind. Issued in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30 1914. It is the policy of the Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to its programs and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex or national origin.