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

Last Updated on March 26, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

If you’re like most people, the word “cockroach” probably makes your skin crawl. And if you live in Iowa, there’s a good chance you’ve seen one of these pests scurrying around your home or business.

In this blog post, we will provide some essential information about cockroaches in Iowa, including what they look like, where they thrive, and how to get rid of them. We’ll also dispel some common myths about these critters!

In this article

How common are cockroaches in Iowa?

Although cockroaches are not as common in Iowa as they are in other parts of the country, they can still be found in homes and businesses. The most common type of cockroach found in Iowa is the German cockroach.

Types of cockroaches in Iowa

There are five types of cockroaches that are commonly found in Iowa: the German cockroach, the American cockroach, the Oriental cockroach, the Brown-banded cockroach, and the Pennsylvania wood Cockroach. Each type of cockroach has its own unique characteristics and behaviors.

1. German cockroach

German Cockroaches (Blattella germanica)

German cockroaches are the most common type of cockroach in Iowa. They are about ½ an inch long and brown with two dark stripes on their back. German cockroaches are usually found in kitchens and bathrooms, where they eat food and water.

German cockroaches are a serious problem because they can carry diseases like Salmonella and E. coli. They can also cause asthma attacks in people who are allergic to them.

Habitat: German cockroaches like to live in warm, humid places. They are often found in kitchens and bathrooms, where they can find food and water.

Diet: German cockroaches eat anything they can find, including food, garbage, and even soap.

Reproduction: German cockroaches reproduce quickly. A female can have up to 50 eggs at a time, and each egg hatches into a baby cockroach.

Biology: German cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They are attracted to light, so you might see them running towards a light switch when you turn on the lights.

Nymphs: Nymphs are baby cockroaches. They look like adults, but they are smaller and don’t have wings.

Adults: Adult German cockroaches have wings, but they can’t fly. They use their wings to glide from one place to another.

Control: German cockroaches are difficult to control because they reproduce so quickly. The best way to get rid of them is to call a pest control company.

Prevention: The best way to prevent German cockroaches is to keep your kitchen and bathroom clean. You should also seal any cracks or holes in your home so they can’t get inside.

2. American cockroach

American Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana)

American cockroaches are one of the most common types of cockroaches in Iowa. They are also one of the largest, reaching up to three inches in length. American cockroaches are reddish-brown and have a yellow band on their back. They are typically found in dark, moist areas such as basements and sewer systems.

Habitat:

American cockroaches typically live in dark, moist areas such as basements and sewer systems. They are also commonly found in restaurants and other commercial kitchens.

Diet:

American cockroaches are omnivorous, meaning they will eat just about anything. Their diet includes plant material, meat, and even garbage.

Behavior:

American cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, they hide in cracks and crevices. They are also excellent climbers and can scale walls and ceilings with ease.

Reproduction:

Female American cockroaches can lay up to 50 eggs at a time. The eggs are typically deposited in dark, moist areas such as basements and sewer systems. Once the eggs hatch, the nymphs (baby cockroaches) will go through a series of molts before reaching adulthood.

Control:

American cockroaches can be difficult to control due to their large size and ability to climb. They are also resistant to many common insecticides. The best way to control American cockroaches is to eliminate their food and water sources, as well as seal any cracks and crevices they may be using for entry into your home.

3. Oriental cockroach

Oriental Cockroaches (Blatta orientalis)

Oriental cockroaches are one of the most common cockroach species in Iowa. They are dark brown or black, and have a glossy body. Oriental cockroaches can grow to be about an inch long, and they are often found in damp areas like basements or crawl spaces.

Habitat: Oriental cockroaches are often found in damp areas like basements or crawl spaces.

Food: Oriental cockroaches usually eat decaying organic matter, but they can also eat other things like garbage or sewage.

Life Cycle: The life cycle of an Oriental cockroach includes three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Female Oriental cockroaches can lay up to eight egg capsules in their lifetime, and each capsule can contain up to 30 eggs. Nymphs go through six molts before they become adults.

Behavior: Oriental cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, they like to hide in dark, moist places. Oriental cockroaches can also fly, but they don’t do it very often.

Diseases: Oriental cockroaches can carry diseases like E. coli and salmonella, and they can also trigger asthma attacks.

Control: The best way to control Oriental cockroaches is to remove their food sources and to seal up any cracks or holes where they might be able to enter your home. You can also use insecticides, but you should always read the label carefully before using any chemicals.

4. Brown-banded cockroach

Brown-banded Cockroaches (Supella longipalpa)

Brown-banded cockroaches are one of the most common types of cockroaches in Iowa. They are small, brown, and have two light-colored bands on their wings. Brown-banded cockroaches are often found in kitchens and bathrooms, where they feed on food scraps and moisture.

Habitat: Brown-banded cockroaches are found throughout the United States. They prefer warm, dry environments, and are often found in homes and businesses.

Diet: Brown-banded cockroaches feed on a variety of food sources, including food scraps, insects, and other small animals.

Reproduction: Brown-banded cockroaches reproduce rapidly, with a female capable of producing up to 50 eggs at a time.

Nymphs: Brown-banded cockroach nymphs are small, brown, and have two light-colored bands on their wings.

Adults: Brown-banded cockroaches are small, brown, and have two light-colored bands on their wings. Adults can live for up to one year.

Predators: Brown-banded cockroaches are preyed upon by a variety of animals, including birds, bats, and mice.

Control: Brown-banded cockroaches can be controlled with a variety of methods, including traps, baits, and insecticides.

Prevention: To prevent brown-banded cockroaches from entering your home, seal cracks and openings in the foundation and around doors and windows. Keep food and water sources clean and dry, and remove clutter from your home.

5. Pennsylvania wood Cockroach

Pennsylvania wood Cockroaches are one of the most common types of cockroaches in Iowa. They are about 13 to 16 mm long and are brown with yellowish markings. Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and other damp areas.

Habitat:

Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are found in a variety of habitats, including basements, crawl spaces, and other damp areas. They are also common in urban areas and can be found in homes, apartments, office buildings, and other structures.

Diet:

Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are omnivorous and will eat a variety of food items, including plant material, other insects, and even garbage.

Behavior:

Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are nocturnal creatures and are often seen running around homes at night. They are attracted to light and can be found near windows, doors, and other sources of light. Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are not known to bite humans, but they can be a nuisance.

Reproduction:

Pennsylvania wood cockroaches reproduce by laying egg capsules, which contain about 30 eggs each. The egg capsules are brown and about 13 to 16 mm long. Pennsylvania wood cockroaches can produce several generations per year.

Control:

If you have a problem with Pennsylvania wood cockroaches, there are a few things you can do to control them. You can seal cracks and crevices around your home to prevent them from getting inside.

You can also remove potential food sources, such as garbage, and keep your home clean. If you have a severe infestation, you may need to contact a pest control professional for help.

Cockroaches in other states:

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are three main types of cockroaches in Iowa: the German cockroach, the American cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach. Each type has its own unique characteristics and behavior. If you think you have a cockroach infestation, it is important to identify the type of cockroach so that you can determine the best course of treatment.

If you have any questions about cockroaches in Iowa, or if you need help identifying the type of cockroach you have, contact a pest control professional. A pest control professional can help you get rid of your cockroach problem and prevent them from coming back.