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

Last Updated on March 26, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

Do you have a cockroach problem in Maryland? If so, you’re not alone. Cockroaches are common in Maryland and can be difficult to get rid of.

In this blog post, we will discuss how to identify cockroaches in your home and how to get rid of them. We will also provide some tips on preventing cockroaches from entering your home in the first place.

In this article

Are cockroaches common in Baltimore?

According to a recent study, the answer appears to be yes. In fact, Baltimore ranks as the ninth most cockroach-infested city in the United States. The study, conducted by Terminix, a leading pest control company, looked at cities with the highest number of residential cockroach treatments.

So why are there so many cockroaches in Baltimore? One reason may be the city’s climate. Cockroaches thrive in warm, humid environments, and Baltimore certainly fits that bill. The city’s proximity to water also makes it a prime breeding ground for cockroaches.

Bugs That Look Like Cockroaches

Types of cockroaches in Maryland

There are several types of cockroaches in Maryland, and each has its own distinct appearance and set of behaviors. The most common cockroaches in Maryland are the German cockroach, Brown-banded cockroach, American cockroach, Oriental cockroach, and Pennsylvania wood cockroach.

1. German cockroach

German Cockroaches (Blattella germanica)

German cockroaches are the type of cockroach you are most likely to find in your home. They are small, brown, and have two dark stripes on their backs.

German cockroaches are not native to Maryland, but they were introduced here by immigrants in the 1600s. German cockroaches are a problem because they breed quickly and can cause allergies in some people.

Habitat: German cockroaches are found in all types of buildings, but they prefer warm, humid places.

Diet: German cockroaches eat just about anything, but they prefer starchy foods like bread and pasta.

Behavior: German cockroaches are nocturnal, so you’re most likely to see them at night.

Reproduction: German cockroaches reproduce quickly, and a female can produce up to 50 offspring in her lifetime.

Nymphs: Nymphs are baby cockroaches. German cockroach nymphs are small, brown, and have two dark stripes on their backs.

Adults: Adult German cockroaches are about 12-14 mm long. They are small, brown, and have two dark stripes on their backs.

Control: German cockroaches are difficult to control because they reproduce quickly and can hide in small spaces. If you have a German cockroach problem, you should call a pest control professional.

Prevention: The best way to prevent German cockroaches is to keep your home clean and free of food scraps.

2. Brown-banded cockroach

Brown-banded Cockroaches (Supella longipalpa)

Brown-banded cockroaches are one of the most common cockroaches in Maryland. They are small, brown, and have two dark bands across their wings. Brown-banded cockroaches are often found in homes and businesses.

Habitat:

Brown-banded cockroaches are found in a variety of habitats, including homes, businesses, and other buildings. They are often found in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

Diet:

Brown-banded cockroaches are omnivorous, meaning they will eat both plants and animals. They are often seen eating food scraps, garbage, and other organic matter.

Behavior:

Brown-banded cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, they hide in cracks and crevices. Brown-banded cockroaches are also good climbers and can be found on walls and ceilings.

Reproduction:

Female brown-banded cockroaches lay their eggs in small egg cases, which they attach to furniture, appliances, or other objects. Each egg case contains about 20 eggs. Brown-banded cockroaches can produce multiple egg cases throughout their lifetime.

Nymphs:

Nymphs are young brown-banded cockroaches that resemble adults, but are smaller and do not have wings. Nymphs go through several molts before reaching adulthood.

Adults:

Adult brown-banded cockroaches are small, brown, and have two dark bands across their wings. Males and females are similar in appearance, but males have longer wings. Brown-banded cockroaches can live for up to one year.

Control:

Brown-banded cockroaches can be difficult to control due to their small size and ability to hide in a variety of places. If you suspect you have a brown-banded cockroach infestation, contact a pest control professional for assistance.

Prevention:

The best way to prevent a brown-banded cockroach infestation is to keep your home or business clean and free of food scraps and other organic matter. Regular vacuuming and dusting can also help reduce the number of cockroaches in your home or business.

3. American cockroach

American Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana)

American cockroaches are one of the most common types of cockroaches in Maryland. These pests are often found in homes and businesses, and can be a nuisance. American cockroaches are reddish-brown, and have a distinctive yellow band on their backs. They are about one to two inches long, and can fly.

Habitat: American cockroaches typically live in damp, dark places. They are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and around drains.

Diet: American cockroaches feed on a variety of food sources, including plants, insects, and decaying organic matter.

Problems: American cockroaches can be a nuisance because they can spread disease, and their presence can indicate a sanitation problem.

Behavior: American cockroaches are most active at night, when they search for food. These pests are attracted to warmth and moisture, and can be found in homes and businesses. American cockroaches typically hide during the day, and can be found in cracks and crevices.

Reproduction: American cockroaches reproduce quickly, and can produce several generations per year. Females can lay up to 50 eggs at a time, and nymphs can mature in as little as six weeks.

Nymphs: Nymphs are immature cockroaches that look like adults, but are smaller. Nymphs go through several molts before they reach adulthood.

Biology: American cockroaches are one of the largest species of cockroach, and can live for up to two years.

Control: American cockroaches can be difficult to control because they reproduce quickly and are good at hiding.

Prevention: The best way to prevent American cockroaches is to keep your home or business clean and free of food sources. Repair any leaks, and seal any cracks or crevices where these pests can hide. If you have an infestation, contact a pest control professional for treatment options.

4. Oriental cockroach

Oriental Cockroaches (Blatta orientalis)

Oriental cockroaches are one of the most common cockroaches in Maryland. They are about an inch long and are dark brown or black in color. Oriental cockroaches are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and other damp areas.

Habitat:

Oriental cockroaches are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and other damp areas.

Diet:

Oriental cockroaches are scavengers and will eat just about anything.

Reproduction:

Oriental cockroaches can reproduce quickly, with a female producing up to eight egg capsules in her lifetime. Each capsule contains about 16 eggs.

Nymphs:

Nymphs are small, wingless cockroaches that look like adults. They go through several molts before reaching adulthood.

Adults:

Adult Oriental cockroaches are about an inch long and are dark brown or black in color. They have wings, but they cannot fly.

Problems Caused:

Oriental cockroaches can contaminate food and spread disease. They also produce a bad odor.

Behavior:

Oriental cockroaches are nocturnal and can be found hiding during the day. They are often found in groups.

Control:

Oriental cockroaches can be controlled with baits, traps, and insecticides.

Prevention:

To prevent Oriental cockroaches, seal cracks and crevices around the home and remove potential hiding places. Keep food in sealed containers and clean up spills immediately.

5. Pennsylvania wood cockroach

Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are one of the most common cockroaches in Maryland. They are dark brown or black, and about 13 mm long. Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are often found in damp places, such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Habitat: Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are found in the eastern United States, from Maine to Florida.

Diet: Pennsylvania wood cockroaches eat plants and decaying organic matter. They are especially fond of damp or moldy wood.

Behavior: Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are nocturnal insects. They are often seen running along the edges of walls and floors in homes.

Reproduction: Pennsylvania wood cockroaches reproduce by laying egg cases, which contain about 30 eggs. The egg case is dark brown, and about 13 mm long.

Nymphs: Pennsylvania wood cockroach nymphs are small, dark brown or black insects. They have six legs and two long, slender antennae. Nymphs molt six times before reaching adulthood.

Adults: Adult Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are dark brown or black, and about 13 mm long. They have two long, slender antennae and six legs. Pennsylvania wood cockroaches can fly, but they do not often fly indoors.

Control: Pennsylvania wood cockroaches can be controlled with traps and insecticides. Insecticide sprays should be applied to the edges of walls and floors, where these cockroaches are often seen running. Traps should be placed in areas where Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are likely to travel.

Prevention: Pennsylvania wood cockroaches can be prevented by sealing cracks and crevices in homes, and by removing food sources and water sources. Cockroaches are attracted to food and water, so it is important to keep kitchens and bathrooms clean.

Cockroaches in other states:

Conclusion

Maryland is home to several types of cockroaches, each with its own unique characteristics. While most people consider them pests, some actually find them interesting creatures. If you’re one of those people, make sure to learn about the different types of cockroaches in Maryland so that you can identify them properly.