Types of Cockroaches in American Homes
German cockroaches are the most common indoor species in the US. They are small, light brown, and reproduce extremely rapidly. A single female produces up to 30,000 offspring per year. German cockroaches are most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms near food and moisture.
American cockroaches are large reddish-brown roaches also called palmetto bugs. They enter homes through drains, pipes, and gaps in foundations. Common in Florida, Texas, and southern states.
Oriental cockroaches prefer damp, cool areas like basements, crawl spaces, and drains. They are dark brown to black and produce a distinctive musty odor.
Smoky brown cockroaches are common in the Southeast and enter homes through gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines.