Pest ID Guide
Cockroaches
Four cockroach species show up most in Southern California homes. Identifying which one tells us where to look.
Identification
Fast-moving insects with flattened bodies. Several species differ in size, color, and where they hide.
Habitat
Warm, humid areas near food and water, though some species prefer cooler, damp spaces like basements.
Why They're A Risk
Contaminate food and surfaces and can trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals.
Signs To Watch For
Droppings, a musty odor, egg cases, and sightings at night in kitchens or bathrooms.
Species We Treat
Photo: What Do Cockroaches Look Like?
What Do Cockroaches Look Like?
Cockroaches have oval bodies with a head, thorax, and abdomen, six legs, antennae, and a hard exoskeleton. U.S. species range from 1/2" to 2" long, not counting antennae. Most are shades of brown with species-specific markings: the German cockroach has two dark stripes on its thorax, the brown-banded cockroach has a light band across its wings, and the oriental cockroach's dark, shiny coloring has earned it the nickname "black beetle."
