5 Types Of Cockroaches in Massachusetts: How to Identify and Get Rid of Them

Last Updated on March 26, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

If you live in Massachusetts, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a cockroach or two. These pesky critters can be difficult to get rid of, but with the right information, you can identify and eliminate them quickly.

In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about cockroaches in Massachusetts: what they look like, where they live, and how to get rid of them!

In this article

What do roaches look like in Massachusetts?

There are several types of roaches that can be found in Massachusetts, but the most common type is the American cockroach. American cockroaches are dark brown or reddish-brown, and they have a yellow band on their back. They are about one inch long, and they have six legs. Cockroaches can be a nuisance, and they can carry diseases.

Are cockroaches common in Boston?

The answer is, unfortunately, yes. Cockroaches are quite common in Boston. In fact, they’re one of the most common pests in the city.

There are a few reasons for this. First of all, cockroaches like warm climates. And secondly, cockroaches are attracted to food.

So, if you live in Boston and you’re seeing cockroaches, don’t panic. You’re not alone. Just be sure to clean up any food spills and keep your kitchen clean.

Are German cockroaches in Massachusetts?

Yes, German cockroaches are in Massachusetts. In fact, they are found throughout the United States. German cockroaches are one of the most common types of cockroaches in the world and can be a real nuisance.

Are there wood cockroaches in Massachusetts?

Yes, there are wood cockroaches in Massachusetts. These pests are often found in damp, dark places like basements and crawl spaces. Wood cockroaches can also enter your home through cracks and crevices in the foundation or exterior walls.

Why Summer is Cockroach Season in Massachusetts?

It’s no secret that cockroaches are attracted to warm, humid environments. And what do we have in abundance here in Massachusetts during the summer months? You guessed it – warmth and humidity! So it should come as no surprise that summer is peak season for cockroaches here in the Bay State.

Types of cockroaches in Massachusetts

There are several different types of cockroaches that can be found in Massachusetts.

1. American cockroach

American Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana)

American cockroaches are one of the most common types of cockroaches in Massachusetts. They are also one of the largest, with adults growing to an average length of about three inches.

American cockroaches are reddish-brown in color, and have a yellow band around the edge of their body. American cockroaches are not known to carry diseases, but can be a nuisance due to their large size and tendency to enter homes in search of food.

Habitat: American cockroaches are typically found in warm, moist areas, such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Diet: American cockroaches are omnivorous, meaning they will eat both plants and animals. In the wild, these cockroaches typically feed on decaying leaves and wood. However, when they enter homes in search of food, they will eat just about anything, including human food and garbage.

Behavior: American cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, they hide in dark, moist places. American cockroaches can also fly, although they do not typically fly long distances.

Reproduction: American cockroaches reproduce quickly, with a female typically producing about 50 eggs at a time. The eggs are deposited in a hard case called an ootheca, which the female carries around until they hatch. Once the eggs hatch, the young cockroaches, called nymphs, go through several molts before reaching adulthood.

Adults: American cockroaches typically live for about one year.

Predators: American cockroaches have few natural predators, but are sometimes eaten by birds, mammals, and other insects.

Control and Prevention: American cockroaches can be difficult to control and prevent due to their large size and ability to fly. Cockroach baits and traps can be effective in controlling these pests. It is also important to seal any cracks or openings in your home that could serve as entry points for cockroaches. Regular cleaning and vacuuming can also help reduce the number of cockroaches in your home.

2. German cockroach

German Cockroaches (Blattella germanica)

German cockroaches are the most common type of cockroach in Massachusetts. They are about half an inch long and are brown with two dark stripes on their backs. German cockroaches are usually found in kitchens and bathrooms, where they can find food and water.

German cockroaches are a major problem in apartment buildings, restaurants, and other commercial buildings.

Habitat: German cockroaches are found in all parts of the world.

Diet: German cockroaches eat a variety of food, including people food, but prefer carbohydrates and sweets.

Biology: German cockroaches reproduce rapidly and can produce up to six generations per year. Females carry their egg cases around with them until the eggs hatch.

Nymphs: Nymphs are young cockroaches that look like adults, but are smaller.

Adults: Adults are about half an inch long and brown with two dark stripes on their backs.

Behavior: German cockroaches are nocturnal and hide during the day. They are often found in cracks and crevices near food sources.

Control: German cockroaches are difficult to control because they reproduce so quickly and can hide well. Pest control professionals can help get rid of German cockroaches.

Prevention: The best way to prevent German cockroaches is to keep your home clean and free of food and water sources that they can access.

3. Oriental cockroach

Oriental Cockroaches (Blatta orientalis)

Oriental cockroaches are one of the most common types of cockroaches in Massachusetts. They are typically black or dark brown, and can grow up to an inch long. Oriental cockroaches are often found in damp areas, such as basements or crawl spaces. These pests can be a nuisance because they emit a foul odor and can contaminate food with their waste.

Habitat: Oriental cockroaches are often found in damp areas, such as basements or crawl spaces.

Diet: Oriental cockroaches typically eat decaying organic matter, but can also feed on other insects.

Behavior: Oriental cockroaches are nocturnal pests that are often seen roaming around at night. These pests can be a nuisance because they emit a foul odor and can contaminate food with their waste.

Reproduction: Oriental cockroaches typically reproduce in the spring and summer. A female can lay up to 16 eggs at a time, and each egg case can contain up to 48 eggs.

Nymphs: Nymphs are immature cockroaches that resemble adults, but are smaller in size. Nymphs go through several molts before reaching adulthood.

Adults: Adults are fully-grown cockroaches that have wings, but cannot fly. Adults can live up to one year.

Control: If you have an Oriental cockroach infestation, it is important to contact a pest control professional for treatment. Cockroaches can be difficult to control, so it is best to leave this task to the experts.

Prevention: To prevent Oriental cockroaches from entering your home, seal any cracks or openings in the foundation and repair any leaks. Keep food stored in airtight containers and keep your kitchen clean.

4. Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches are one of the most common cockroaches found in Massachusetts. They are dark brown or black, and about ½ to ¾ an inch long.

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches are often mistaken for German Cockroaches, but they do not have the two stripes on their backs. Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches are known to live in wooded areas, and are often found in basements and crawl spaces.

Habitat: Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches are found in wooded areas, and often live in the cracks and crevices of trees. They are also commonly found in basements and crawl spaces.

Food: Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches feed on decaying organic matter, such as leaves and wood.

Reproduction: Female Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches lay their eggs in small egg sacks, which they then attach to surfaces. The egg sacks can contain up to 30 eggs.

Nymphs: Nymphs are small, wingless versions of the adult cockroach. They go through a series of molts before reaching adulthood.

Adult: Adults are dark brown or black, and about ½ to ¾ an inch long. As adults, they have wings and can fly short distances.

Behavior: Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches are nocturnal, and are often seen at night. They are attracted to light, and will sometimes enter homes in search of food.

Control: Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches can be controlled with baits, traps, and insecticides. Baits and traps should be placed near areas where cockroaches are found. Insecticide sprays should be directed into cracks and crevices where cockroaches are hiding.

Prevention: Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches can be prevented by sealing cracks and crevices in homes and repairing any leaks. Cockroaches are also attracted to food, so it is important to keep food stored in airtight containers.

5. Brown-Banded Cockroach

Brown-banded Cockroaches (Supella longipalpa)

Brown-Banded Cockroaches are about ¾ of an inch long. They are light brown with two dark brown stripes running across their backs. Brown-Banded Cockroaches are commonly found in warm, dry places such as kitchens and bathrooms. These cockroaches are not native to Massachusetts, but they have been found in the state.

Habitat: Brown-Banded Cockroaches are often found in kitchens and bathrooms, where they prefer warm, dry conditions.

Feeding: Brown-Banded Cockroaches are omnivorous and will feed on a variety of food sources, including plants and other insects.

Reproduction: Female Brown-Banded Cockroaches can lay up to 40 eggs at a time. Eggs are typically laid in cracks and crevices, and hatchlings will emerge after about two months.

Nymphs: Nymphs are small, wingless versions of adult cockroaches. Nymphs go through a series of molts before reaching adulthood.

Adults: Adults are fully-grown cockroaches that have wings and can fly. Adults can live for up to one year.

Behavior: Brown-Banded Cockroaches are nocturnal and are often seen running around at night. These cockroaches are also known to be good climbers, and can often be found on walls and ceilings.

Predators: Brown-Banded Cockroaches have a few natural predators, including spiders, birds, and other insects.

Control: If you have Brown-Banded Cockroaches in your home, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. You can try using traps or baits, or you can contact a pest control professional.

Prevention: The best way to prevent Brown-Banded Cockroaches is to keep your home clean and free of clutter. Cockroaches are attracted to food sources, so be sure to keep food in sealed containers and clean up any spills immediately. You should also seal any cracks and crevices in your home, as this will help prevent cockroaches from getting inside.

Cockroaches in other states:

Bugs that look like cockroaches in Massachusetts

Ground Beetles

Ground Beetles are one of the most common beetle families in North America, with more than 2600 species. Many ground beetles are black and shiny, and some are red or brown. They range in size from less than a quarter-inch to almost an inch long.

Ground beetles generally live outdoors and are often found under rocks, leaves, and logs. Some ground beetle species are attracted to lights at night and can enter homes through small cracks and crevices.

Ground Beetles are not harmful to humans, but some ground beetle species can be a nuisance if they enter homes in large numbers. If you find ground beetles in your home, you can remove them by vacuuming or sweeping them up and disposing of them outdoors.

To prevent ground beetles from entering your home, seal any cracks and crevices around doors, windows, and other openings using caulk or weather-stripping. Ground Beetles are beneficial insects because they prey on harmful pests such as ants, caterpillars, and Aphids.

2. Woodboring beetles

Woodboring beetles are one of the most common types of insects in Massachusetts. These pests are known for their ability to bore into wood, which can cause structural damage to your home. Woodboring beetles are often mistaken for cockroaches, but there are a few key differences between these two pests.

Woodboring beetles are usually smaller than cockroaches, and they have a more rounded body. Cockroaches are typically longer and have a flat, oval-shaped body. Woodboring beetles also have wings, while cockroaches do not.

3. Crickets

Crickets are one of the most common insects in Massachusetts. They are often mistaken for cockroaches because of their similar appearance. Crickets are harmless and do not pose a health threat to humans. However, they can be a nuisance if they enter your home.

4. Giant water bugs

Giant water bugs (family Belostomatidae), any member of a family of insects in the true bug order, Heteroptera, that contains some of the largest bugs in the world. The adults are large, flat, oval-shaped insects with long legs and a beaklike structure at the front of the head. They range in length from about 0.75 to about 18 cm (0.30–0.71 inch).

The largest species is the giant water bug of South America, Belostomatidae brazil, which may attain a length of about 18 cm (about 0.71 inch). Some other members of the family include the Japanese water bug, or toe-biter (Lethocerus indicus), and the American water bug, or electric-light bug (L. uhleri).

Giant water bugs are found in ponds and streams throughout the world. The majority of species inhabit tropical regions, but a few have become established in more temperate areas, such as North America and Europe. The adults are strong swimmers and fly well. They are often found in the same habitats as their larvae, which are aquatic and predaceous.

Conclusion

There are three main types of cockroaches in Massachusetts: German, American, and Oriental. Each type has its own unique characteristics and behaviors. If you think you have a cockroach infestation, it is important to identify the type of cockroach so that you can effectively treat the problem.