COMMON ARIZONA COCKROACH SPECIES

GERMAN COCKROACH

Color:  Tan to dark brown

Other distinguisher:  Two dark parallel streaks running from head to base of wings

Size:   1/2 to 5/8 inch

More Information:

These cockroaches can be a huge problem in homes, as well as restaurants, food handling facilities, nursing homes, and hotels.  They reproduce quickly and carry their egg sacs (ootheca) on their back through the germination process.  Because of the frequency of reproduction, populations of these cockroaches can get out of control very quickly.

BROWN BANDED COCKROACH

Color:  Light Brown

Size:  Up to 1/2 inch

More Information:

These cockroaches often inhabit dwellings by way of furniture or boxes.  They do not carry their egg sacs, but rather deposit them with a sticky substance to the back of picture frames, as well as within the walls of corrugated boxes.  For this reason, boxes serve as the ideal transportation method from one area to another.  While they don't reproduce as quickly as the German, a population of these cockroaches grows very quickly. 

AMERICAN COCKROACH

Color:  Reddish Brown

Size:  1 1/2 inch or longer

More Information:

These cockroaches have wings and are not graceful fliers, but are able to fly a limited distance.  If you have seen any cockroaches clumsily dive-bombing from higher up a wall, this would be your prime suspect.  They generally harbor outside, though they are known to occassionally enter a dwelling.  They tend to be found under mulch or other damp areas.

ORIENTAL COCKROACH

Color:  Dark Brown to Shiny Black

Size:  1 1/4 inch

More Information:

Also commonly referred to as palmetto bugs or water bugs.  They sometimes might resemble American cockroaches, but they cannot fly.  They generally harbor outside in damp areas.

GERMAN COCKROACHES:

BROWN BANDED COCKROACH:

AMERICAN COCKROACH:

ORIENTAL COCKROACH: