What Does a Cockroach Look Like?
Most cockroaches have flat, oval-shaped bodies with long, spiny legs and two antennae. German and brown-banded cockroaches look similar, but the German cockroach has two vertical black stripes down the length of its body, while the brown-banded cockroach has two light brown, lateral bands across the wings and stomach.
Some types of cockroaches are more distinct. The Oriental cockroach is robust and shiny black. Native to nearby forests, the wood cockroach is tan with a pale white stripe on the outer edge of its body. The American cockroach is reddish-brown with a yellow band where the head and back meet.
How Big Is a Cockroach?
Cockroaches vary in size due to age, species, and environment. American cockroaches tend to be the largest, growing up to two inches long. The second biggest is the Oriental cockroach, which is around the size of a quarter. Other varieties are smaller, such as the German cockroach, which measures about half an inch.
Pictures of Cockroaches
The easiest way to figure out what kind of cockroaches you have is by noting the differences in appearance, size, and behavior. For help on how to identify these pests, take a look at the photos below. There, you will find pictures of some of the most common species that infest homes and businesses in the New England area.
American Cockroach Images
In this image of an American cockroach, you can see the pest’s chestnut-colored body. This species prefers warm, moist, and dark hiding spots like this shower drain.
This picture of an American cockroach on a sponge gives you some size perspective since they are the biggest cockroach in New England
Brown-Banded Cockroach Images
This closeup photo of a brown-banded cockroach establishes the light and dark-colored bands across the pest’s abdomen
German Cockroach Images
On the head of a German cockroach are two distinct, vertical brown stripes
In this photo of German cockroaches, you can see the pests are half the length of the cracker.
Here is another picture of a German cockroach for size comparison
Notice the size difference in the past two images of cockroaches. If you compare the photo of a German cockroach resting on a sponge with the similar photo of an American cockroach, the German cockroach is much smaller. These pests like areas with food and water, so their size might make them hard to notice in your kitchen pantry.