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How to Identify Insects in the Roach Family

Cockroaches have inhabited the Earth for 300 million years. These hardy little insects are often predicted to be the sole surviving species of projected modern catastrophes that would end all other life on the planet. Despite their amazing survival and adaptation abilities, most people view cockroaches merely as household pests, and with good reason -- a handful of roaches that think they've found a great new home in your kitchen can multiply rapidly, creating a large infestation that carries sanitary repercussions with it. If you have an unwanted cockroach in your home, identifying it may be the first step to getting rid of or preventing an infestation.

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect the insect for characteristics that guarantee its membership in the roach family. Look for a flattened, oval body and long antennae, as well as the presence of six legs that are covered in spines. Roaches appear somewhat similar to many other insects, including beetles and crickets, but if the insect meets the criteria, it's most likely a cockroach.
- 2
  Identify the color of the cockroach. Most common cockroaches are tan or golden brown like the German cockroach and the brown-banded roach. The American cockroach is reddish brown. The Oriental roach is nearly black.
- 3
  Estimate the size of the roach. No need to break out a tape measure -- a visual estimate should suffice, or a rough comparison to a nearby object. Roaches vary in size, which means the approximate length of your intruder may help you determine exactly what it is. For example, the adult German cockroach is only about half an inch long, while the American cockroach can grow up to two inches.
- 4
  Capture the insect and take it to an insect specialist or pest-control agency if you are unable to identify it. Most cockroaches appear similar to each other in color, shape and size, and can be easily mistaken. Differences in a roach's age can make it difficult to identify, as a young American cockroach might appear similar to an adult German roach. If all else fails, enlist the help of a professional.

Insects & Science