6 Different Types of Cockroaches in Hawaii: How to Avoid These Pests

Last Updated on November 25, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

Hawaii is a beautiful place, but it’s also home to some unwanted guests: cockroaches. These pests can be a nuisance and a health hazard, so it’s important to know how to identify them and avoid them.

In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of cockroaches found in Hawaii, as well as some tips on how to prevent them from entering your home or business.

Is it normal to have cockroaches in your house in Hawaii?

The simple answer is yes, it is normal to have cockroaches in your house in Hawaii. In fact, cockroaches are so common in Hawaii that they’re considered one of the state’s official pests.

Cockroaches are attracted to warm, humid environments like Hawaii, which is why they’re so prevalent in homes and businesses across the state. If you’re seeing cockroaches in your home, it’s important to take steps to get rid of them as soon as possible. Cockroaches can spread disease and contaminate food, so it’s not worth taking any chances.

Related: 12 Bugs That Look Like Cockroaches (But Aren’t)

How common are cockroaches in Hawaii?

Cockroaches are not native to Hawaii, but they are now common pests on the islands. These insects were brought to Hawaii by early Polynesian settlers and have since thrived in the warm, humid climate.

Cockroaches can be found in both urban and rural areas of Hawaii and are a nuisance pest in homes and businesses. These insects are not known to transmit diseases to humans, but they can be a nuisance and cause allergies in some people.

Are roaches common in Honolulu?

The simple answer is yes, roaches are common in Honolulu. However, the prevalence of roaches may vary depending on a number of factors, including the specific location within the city and the cleanliness of the premises. Roaches are attracted to food and moisture, so areas that are not well-maintained or regularly cleaned may be more likely to have a roach problem.

How big are cockroaches in Hawaii?

The cockroaches in Hawaii are relatively small compared to other species of cockroaches. However, they can still grow up to about two inches in length. These pests are usually brown or black in color and have a flat, oval-shaped body.

Cockroaches in Hawaii typically live outdoors and can be found near garbage cans, in gardens, or in trees.

How bad are cockroaches in Hawaii?

Unfortunately, they are pretty bad. Cockroaches are one of the most common pests in Hawaii, and they can be a real nuisance. They’re not just gross – they can also carry diseases.

Why are there so many cockroaches in Hawaii?

There are a few reasons for this. One reason is that the climate in Hawaii is ideal for cockroaches. It’s warm and humid, which is perfect for them to breed and thrive.

Another reason is that there are many homes and businesses in Hawaii that provide food and shelter for cockroaches.

And finally, cockroaches are very good at hiding and are difficult to get rid of once they’ve infested an area.

Cockroaches in other states:

Types of cockroaches in Hawaii

There are several different types of cockroaches in Hawaii, and they can be a real nuisance.

1. American cockroach

american cockroach 1

American cockroaches are one of the most common types of cockroaches in Hawaii. They are also one of the largest, with an adult American cockroach measuring about 13⁄16 inch long.

While they are typically brown, they may range in color from reddish brown to black. American cockroaches are often found in dark, moist areas like basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. They are also known to infest homes and businesses.

Habitat: American cockroaches typically live in moist areas like basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Diet: American cockroaches are omnivorous, meaning they will eat almost anything. However, they prefer sweets, starches, and meat.

Reproduction: Female American cockroaches can lay up to 50 eggs at a time. The eggs are then deposited in a case, called an ootheca, which is carried by the female until they hatch.

Ootheca: The eggs are then deposited in a case, called an ootheca, which is carried by the female until they hatch.

Nymphs: Nymphs are baby cockroaches that have not yet reached adulthood.

Adults: Adults are fully-grown cockroaches that have reached maturity.

Predators: American cockroaches are often preyed upon by lizards, frogs, birds, and mammals.

Control: If you have an American cockroach infestation, the best course of action is to contact a pest control professional.

Prevention: To prevent an American cockroach infestation, seal cracks and crevices in your home, keep food stored in airtight containers, and eliminate moisture sources.

2. Surinam Cockroach

Surinam Cockroach (Pycnoscelus surinamensis)

Surinam Cockroaches are one of the most common cockroaches found in Hawaii. They are also known as the Hawaiian Cockroach. These cockroaches are dark brown or black in color and have a wingspan of about three inches.

Surinam Cockroaches are not able to fly but they can jump very high. These cockroaches usually live in decaying organic matter and are often found near garbage cans or in sewer systems. Surinam Cockroaches are not considered to be a pest in Hawaii but they can be a nuisance if they enter homes or businesses.

Habitat: Surinam Cockroaches are found in tropical and subtropical areas. They are commonly found in Hawaii, the Caribbean, South America, and Africa.

Diet: Surinam Cockroaches feed on decaying organic matter. They are often found near garbage cans or in sewer systems.

Reproduction: Surinam Cockroaches reproduce rapidly. A female can produce up to 30 eggs at a time. The eggs are deposited in an egg case called an ootheca. The ootheca is then carried by the female until it hatches.

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

Adults: Adults are about three inches in length and have wings. They cannot fly but they can jump very high. Adults live for about one year.

Predators: Predators of Surinam Cockroaches include lizards, frogs, birds, and mammals.

Control: If Surinam Cockroaches are found in homes or businesses, they can be controlled with insecticides. Insecticides should only be used as a last resort.

Prevention: The best way to prevent Surinam Cockroaches from entering homes or businesses is to seal all cracks and crevices. Screen doors and windows should also be installed.

3. German cockroach

German Cockroaches (Blattella germanica)

German cockroaches are one of the most common types of cockroaches in Hawaii. They are small, brown, and have two dark stripes on their backs. German cockroaches are usually found in kitchens and bathrooms, where they eat food and water.

German cockroaches can also be found in other parts of the house, such as basements, laundry rooms, and garages. German cockroaches are not harmful to humans, but they can be a nuisance.

Habitat: German cockroaches are found in homes, apartments, hotels, and restaurants.

Diet: German cockroaches eat food that is left out, such as crumbs on the floor or countertops. They also drink water from sinks and toilets.

Reproduction: German cockroaches reproduce quickly. A female can have up to 50 offspring in her lifetime.

Eggs: German cockroach eggs are small and brown. They are found in egg casings, which are about the size of a dime.

Nymphs: Nymphs are baby German cockroaches. They are small, brown, and have two dark stripes on their backs. Nymphs molt (shed their skin) six to seven times before they become adults.

Adults: Adult German cockroaches are about ½ inch long. They are brown with two dark stripes on their backs.

Predators: German cockroaches have many predators, including birds, bats, lizards, and spiders.

Control: German cockroaches can be controlled with insecticides. baits, and traps.

Prevention: German cockroaches can be prevented by sealing cracks and crevices in homes and businesses. German cockroaches are also attracted to food and water, so keeping kitchens clean and dry will help prevent them from coming inside.

4. Brown-Banded Cockroach

Brown-banded Cockroaches (Supella longipalpa)

Brown-Banded Cockroaches, or Supella longipalpa, are one of the most common cockroach species in Hawaii. They’re small, about ⅝ to ¾ of an inch long, and brown with two light-colored bands running across their backs. Brown-Banded Cockroaches are also known to be good flyers.

Habitat: Brown-Banded Cockroaches are found in a variety of habitats, both indoors and outdoors. They’re commonly found in homes, restaurants, hotels, and other commercial buildings.

Diet: Brown-Banded Cockroaches are omnivorous and will eat just about anything. They’re especially fond of starchy foods like cereal, bread, and pasta.

Reproduction: Brown-Banded Cockroaches reproduce quickly, with each female producing up to 40 eggs at a time. The eggs are deposited in an egg case, or ootheca, which is carried by the female until they hatch. The young cockroaches, or nymphs, resemble adults except they’re smaller and lack wings.

Predators: Brown-Banded Cockroaches have few natural predators. However, they are sometimes preyed upon by birds, reptiles, and small mammals.

Control: Brown-Banded Cockroaches are difficult to control once they’ve infested an area. The best way to prevent them is to eliminate their food sources and seal up any cracks or crevices where they might enter a building.

Prevention: The best way to prevent Brown-Banded Cockroaches is to eliminate their food sources and seal up any cracks or crevices where they might enter a building. If you already have an infestation, the best way to control them is with professional help.

If you see a Brown-Banded Cockroach in your home, it’s important to take action immediately. These cockroaches are known to be carriers of diseases like salmonella and E. coli, so it’s important to eliminate them as soon as possible.

5. Australian cockroach

australian cockroach 2

Australian cockroaches are one of the most common types of cockroaches in Hawaii. They are also one of the most invasive species of cockroaches, and can be found in many different habitats.

Australian cockroaches are reddish-brown in color, and have a wingspan of about 35mm. They are typically found near sources of food and water, and are often seen in kitchens and bathrooms.

Habitat:

Australian cockroaches can be found in many different habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. They are often seen near sources of food and water, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Diet:

Australian cockroaches are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat both plant and animal material. Common items on their diet include leaves, fruits, and insects.

Behavior:

Australian cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning that they are most active at night. During the day, they hide in cracks and crevices to avoid predators. They are also known to be good flyers, and can often be seen around lights at night.

Reproduction:

Australian cockroaches reproduce quickly, and can have up to 20 offspring at a time. They typically live for about 12 months.

Nymphs:

After hatching, the nymphs go through a series of molts before reaching adulthood. Nymphs are typically brown or black in color, and have no wings.

Adults:

Adult Australian cockroaches are reddish-brown in color, and have a wingspan of about 35mm. They are typically found near sources of food and water, and are often seen in kitchens and bathrooms.

Life Cycle:

The life cycle of an Australian cockroach begins with an egg. The egg hatches into a nymph, which molts several times before reaching adulthood. Adult Australian cockroaches typically live for about 12 months.

Predators:

Australian cockroaches have many predators, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. They are also sometimes preyed upon by other insects.

Control:

Australian cockroaches can be difficult to control due to their large population size and their ability to fly. If you have an infestation of Australian cockroaches, it is important to contact a professional pest control company.

Prevention:

The best way to prevent an infestation of Australian cockroaches is to keep your home clean and free of food and water sources. You should also seal any cracks or crevices in your home to prevent them from entering.

Related: Australian Cockroach: Facts, Behavior, Life Cycle, Infestation, and Identification

6. Oriental cockroach

Oriental Cockroaches (Blatta orientalis)

Oriental cockroaches are one of the most common cockroaches in Hawaii. They are dark brown or black, and about an inch long. They are often found in damp areas, such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Oriental cockroaches can be a nuisance because they can contaminate food and spread disease.

Habitat: Oriental cockroaches are often found in damp areas, such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Diet: Oriental cockroaches eat a variety of things, including garbage, food scraps, and other insects.

Behavior: Oriental cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They are also attracted to light.

Reproduction: Oriental cockroaches can reproduce quickly, and a female can produce up to 800 eggs in her lifetime.

Nymphs: Nymphs are baby cockroaches. They look like adults, but they are smaller and do not have wings.

Adults: Adults are fully-grown cockroaches. They have wings, but they cannot fly.

Predators: Birds, lizards, and rodents are some of the predators of Oriental cockroaches.

Control: To control an infestation of oriental cockroaches, it is important to remove their food sources and seal any cracks or openings where they may be entering your home.

Prevention: To prevent an infestation of oriental cockroaches, it is important to keep your home clean and free of food scraps. You should also seal any cracks or openings where they may be entering your home.

How to avoid cockroaches in Hawaii

Cockroaches are one of the most common pests in Hawaii. They can be found in homes, restaurants, and other commercial buildings. Cockroaches are attracted to food and water, so it’s important to keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs. Here are some tips to help you avoid cockroaches in your home:

-Seal up cracks and crevices around your home where cockroaches can enter.

-Eliminate sources of food and water that would attract cockroaches.

-Keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs.

-Store food in airtight containers.

-Use roach traps or baits to help control cockroaches.

Following these tips can help you avoid cockroaches in your home. If you already have a cockroach problem, contact a pest control professional for assistance.

How to get rid of cockroaches in Hawaii

There are a few different ways that you can go about getting rid of cockroaches in Hawaii. One way is to use roach traps. These work by luring the cockroaches into the trap with bait and then killing them.

Another way is to use roach sprays. These work by poisoning the cockroaches and causing them to die.

Finally, you can also use roach baits. These work by poisoning the cockroaches and then they will die when they try to eat the bait. Whichever method you choose, make sure that you follow the instructions carefully so that you can get rid of these pests for good.

Related: How to Get Rid of Cockroaches and Keep Them Away

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Three of the most common types of cockroaches found in Hawaii. While they may be pests, Cockroaches are actually interesting creatures that can teach us a lot about survival. So the next time you see one scuttling around, take a moment to appreciate all that these amazing animals can do.