Top Five Most Common Roaches In Oklahoma: Identification
Before you can identify one of the common Oklahoma roaches, it’s important to know how to tell roaches from other insects. There are over 4,500 species of cockroach worldwide, and only around 30 of them are invasive pests. However, all species classified as a cockroach share the basic characteristics below: The physical characteristics that identify an insect as a cockroach are:
Cockroaches have six legs.Medium-sized insects with shiny exoskeletons like beetles.Two long antennae at the top of the head are the same length as the body or longer.Roaches are brown, tan, or amber with species-specific markings.Roaches go through three life cycles, egg, nymph, and adult.Some species go through multiple molts in the nymph stage.Cockroach species populate quickly, leaving obvious signs.Prefer warm places with high humidity and without much light.
German Cockroaches
The German cockroach is the number one most common roach throughout the United States and is also the most common in Oklahoma. German roaches are even more common in urban cities and prefer multi-level buildings and food prep areas. This species prefers warm and humid places such as under indoor plumbing and in messy or cluttered storage areas. German roaches are ¼ inch long on average. They have light brown coloring over the entire body and two darker bands on the back of the head. Like many other roach species, they flee from movement or light. The most common sign of a German roach infestation is visible staining caused by the foul-smelling, sticky liquid they excrete.
American Cockroaches
Oddly enough, the American cockroach species is the second most common in the U.S., as well as in Oklahoma. Like German roaches, they can be found everywhere, and prefer areas that are warm, humid, or cluttered. Additionally, they are quite common anywhere food is prepared. However, they are more common in single-level buildings and businesses. American roaches are up to 1.5 inches long and have wings that span their entire body length. These wings and the entire body are the same solid reddish-brown color. This species is identified by the distinct yellow band on the back of the head.
Oriental Cockroaches
Though there are thousands of species of roaches that do not deserve the bad reputation for being filthy, this one really earned the bad press! Oriental cockroaches are not as common as the German and American species, and that is a good thing. The species thrives inside and out, and in both hot and cold temperatures. Oriental roaches prefer the worst of human areas, such as in or around garbage, waste, and even raw sewage. This species is 1¼ inch long, and very deep brown in color over the entire body, often appearing to be black. Due to the lack of pattern or markings, Oriental roaches are sometimes mistaken for other insects. However, apart from coloring, they are easy to recognize physically. Unfortunately, appearance is not the only way to tell if a location is infested with this species. Like the German species, it produces a foul odor as well. However, the oriental is far worse and can even overpower the worst of smells.
Brown-Banded Cockroaches
The brown-banded cockroach prefers temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this will not stop them from infesting your home in the winter. It is commonly found under electrical appliances or furniture, behind wall hangings, and in cluttered areas. When exposed to light, this species is known to jump and flee. Brown-banded roaches are ½ inch long, and color markings and body shape differ depending on whether they are male or female. Females have wide, round deep brown bodies and amber-banded markings. Males have long, narrow, amber-colored bodies with deep brown-banded markings.
Smokybrown Cockroaches
The smokybrown cockroach really lives up to the roaches’ reputation for being a survivor. The species is found throughout the world, and on every continent except Antarctica! Smokybrown roaches need heat and humidity to survive and will die of dehydration without adequate moisture. They prefer to live outdoors, but when encountered they can carry dangerous diseases and pathogens and cause allergic reactions in humans. Thankfully, this species is easy to identify. Smokybrown roaches have deep brown heads, mahogany brown bodies, and a triangular pronotum with round points. This is a shield-like covering that protects the head. Smokybrown roaches have long and uncommonly round bodies and antennae often longer than the entire body. The wings span the entire body and hang past the rear. Males and females can fly.
Dealing with Roaches Infestation in Oklahoma
While this state has its fair share of common roaches, they also have some next-level skills in handling them! But how do you know if you have a roach infestation? Since most invasive roach species tend to avoid light and noise, they can be hard to spot. However, they generally prefer the same locations and share similar calling cards, like the ones listed below:
Deep brown or rust-colored droppings.Shed exoskeletons.Egg casings, which look like small light brown or tan seed pods.Sticky liquids or visible staining (German Species).Unpleasant, foul, or musty odor that lingers after cleaning.Clusters of nymphs, which share adult markings.Signs of an infestation are most often found in warm and humid locations, like attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
Remember, when in doubt, exterminate! All roach infestations should be handled ASAP. For more on getting rid of roaches, check out this article!
