What Are the Types of Cockroaches and How Do I Control Them?

Insects & Creepy-Crawlies
1

Hi everyone!

I’ve discovered ​​cockroaches​​ in my kitchen and bathroom, but I’m not sure what type they are or how to tackle them. Some are small and tan, others are larger and dark brown. I’ve tried sprays, but they keep coming back!

​​Background:​​

  • Found them near sinks, under appliances, and in cabinets.
  • Worried about chemicals because of my toddler and cat.
  • Need to ID the species to choose the right solution!

​​Discussion Points:​​

  1. How do I ​​identify common cockroach types​​ (e.g., German vs. American)?
  2. What ​​DIY methods​​ work best for each species?
  3. Are ​​natural repellents​​ (e.g., essential oils) effective long-term?
  4. How do I ​​sanitize areas​​ to prevent reinfestation?
  5. When should I call a ​​professional exterminator​​?

Any advice would save my sanity, thanks!

2

Small tan ones with two stripes? Likely ​​German cockroaches​, they’re the worst! They love warm, humid areas. Use gel baits in cracks. Avoid sprays, they scatter and spread!

3

Mix equal parts baking soda + sugar. The sugar lures them, baking soda kills. For natural repellents, try peppermint oil + water spray. Safe for kids/pets!

4

Some are big, shiny, and reddish-brown. What’s that?

5

Those are ​​American cockroaches​, sewer lovers! Seal pipe gaps and set sticky traps. They’re slower breeders than Germans, so easier to control.

6

Diatomaceous earth (food-grade) along baseboards! It dehydrates them. Reapply after cleaning. Also, bay leaves in cabinets, roaches hate the smell!

7

Oriental cockroaches invaded my basement. Used boric acid powder + cocoa powder mix. Wiped them out in 2 weeks!

8

Sanitation is key! Fix leaks, vacuum crumbs daily, and store food in airtight jars. Roaches starve without food/water. @PanickedHomeowner, declutter NOW!

9

Made a spray with 10 drops tea tree oil + 2 cups water. Wiped down surfaces, roaches vanished! Reapply weekly. Cheaper than Raid!

10

Confirmed Germans + Americans. Applied gel bait and DE. Found 10 dead roaches, progress! Will deep-clean this weekend. Thanks, all!

11

If DIY fails after 3 weeks, call a pro. Germans need insect growth regulators to break their lifecycle. Don’t let them breed, they lay 40 eggs at a time!

12

There are several common cockroach types in homes—German, American, Oriental, and Brown-banded cockroaches. Each has its own habitat preferences and needs a slightly different approach to control.

13

German roaches are super tough, they breed fast and hide in tiny cracks near kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Food, water, and hiding spaces all matter.

14

American and Oriental cockroaches prefer damp, dark areas like basements or sewers. Using sticky traps near pipes and sealing cracks can help a lot.

15

Brown-banded roaches like warmer, dryer spots, think high-up places like cabinets or ceilings. Glue traps, dusting insecticide, and decluttering those zones work best.

16

The Surinam (or Green) roach often lives in potted plant soil. Checking plant soil before bringing them indoors can prevent hitchhikers.

17

Regardless of species, the best strategy is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), including sanitation, exclusion, monitoring, and targeted baits—not just spraying.

18

@IPMer I vacuumed dead roaches and droppings, reduces the pheromone trails that attract more roaches. A HEPA vacuum is especially helpful.

19

Gel baits are excellent. Use small pea-sized dots near hiding spots. They’re slow-acting and won’t repel others, great for wiping out the colony.

20

German cockroaches can develop bait aversion, so if one type stops working, switch brands or types.