Insect
Identification
Laboratory

Identification of Cockroaches

Select the cockroach that most closely resembles the pest found in your house or pantry. Because this only covers the major pests you may have something else. In that case you should contact your county extension agent. He/She is well trained in local insect problems.

Cockroaches, six choices

GERMAN COCKROACH are small to medium sized cockroaches with a distinctive set of "bars" or stripes just behind the head. BROWNBANDED COCKROACHS are small to medium cockroaches and are similar to the German cockroach but have white bands across the middle of its body.
WOOD ROACHES are the most common cockroach in Virginia and they are not pests. They are black or red-brown with a white margin on the segments right behind the head. They fly unlike other roaches. ORIENTAL COCKROACH are dark brown almost black in color. They are wingless and are sometimes called "waterbugs".
AMERICAN COCKROACHS are the largest cockroaches found in Virginia. They are reddish brown with pale markings on the side of the thorax. They have wings but do not fly. Does not fit, GO TO BACK TO MAIN LIST.

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