4 Types Of Cockroaches in Washington: Identification and Removal

Last Updated on March 26, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

Washington is home to many different types of cockroaches. If you have ever seen one in your home, you know that they can be a huge nuisance! Not only are they unsightly, but they can also contaminate your food and spread diseases.

In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of cockroaches that can be found in Washington, as well as how to identify and get rid of them.

In this article

Are cockroaches common in Washington state?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes. Cockroaches are unfortunately quite common in Washington state, and they can be a real nuisance. If you spot a cockroach in your home, it’s important to take action immediately to get rid of them. Otherwise, they will multiply and quickly become out of control.

Do cockroaches fly Washington State?

The simple answer is yes, cockroaches can fly in Washington State. However, there are only a few species of cockroaches that can fly and they are not very common. The flying cockroaches you are most likely to see in Washington State are the Asian or Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis) and the American Cockroach (Periplaneta Americana).

Does the Pacific Northwest have roaches?

If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you may have noticed that roaches are not as common here as they are in other parts of the country. However, that does not mean that roaches don’t exist here. In fact, there are several different species of cockroaches that can be found in this region.

What does a cockroach look like in Washington state?

Cockroaches are one of the most common pests in Washington state. They can be found in homes, businesses, and other structures. Cockroaches are often brown or black and have long, oval-shaped bodies. Some species of cockroach can grow to be more than three inches long.

Are there stink bugs in Washington state?

There are a variety of stink bugs that can be found in Washington state, including the brown marmorated stink bug and the western conifer seed bug. While these insects don’t typically cause harm to humans, they can be a nuisance if they invade your home.

Are there cockroaches in Seattle?

Yes, there are cockroaches in Seattle. They’re not as common as they are in other parts of the country, but they’re still here. If you see one, don’t panic!

Cockroaches in other states:

Types of cockroaches in Washington

There are four main types of cockroaches in Washington: the German cockroach, the American cockroach, the Brown-banded cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach. Each type has its own unique appearance and behavior.

1. German cockroach

German Cockroaches (Blattella germanica)

German cockroaches are the most common type of cockroach in Washington. They are small, brown, and have two dark stripes on their backs. They can be found in homes, apartments, hotels, and restaurants. German cockroaches are attracted to food and water.

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

Behavior: German cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They prefer to live in warm, humid areas. German cockroaches can run quickly and climb walls.

Diet: German cockroaches eat a variety of food, including crumbs, grease, and soap.

Reproduction: Female German cockroaches can lay up to 50 eggs at a time. The eggs are brown and about the size of a grain of rice.

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

Adults: Adult German cockroaches are about ½ inch long. They are brown and have two dark stripes on their backs. Adults can live up to 12 months.

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

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

Prevention: German cockroaches can be prevented with good sanitation and sealing cracks and crevices in your home.

2. Brownbanded cockroach

Brown-banded Cockroaches (Supella longipalpa)

Brownbanded cockroaches are one of the most common cockroaches found in Washington. They are small, brown, and have two light-colored stripes on their wings. Brownbanded cockroaches are often found in homes and businesses.

Habitat: Brownbanded cockroaches are found in all types of buildings, including homes, apartments, hotels, and restaurants.

Diet: Brownbanded cockroaches eat a variety of food, including crumbs, paper products, and even glue.

Behavior: Brownbanded cockroaches are active at night and are often seen running across floors or up walls. They can fly, but only for short distances. Brownbanded cockroaches are attracted to light and heat, which is why they are often seen near lamps and appliances.

Reproduction: Female brownbanded cockroaches can lay up to 30 eggs at a time. Eggs are often laid in cracks and crevices, and can take up to two months to hatch.

Nymphs: Nymphs are small, wingless cockroaches that look like adults. Nymphs go through several molts before they become adults.

Adults: Adults are brown and have two light-colored stripes on their wings. Adults can live up to 12 months.

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

Control: Brownbanded cockroaches can be controlled with a variety of methods, including baits, traps, and pesticides. If you have a brownbanded cockroach infestation, it is important to contact a pest control professional.

Prevention: The best way to prevent a brownbanded cockroach infestation is to keep your home clean and free of food sources. Vacuum regularly, and seal any cracks or crevices where cockroaches could enter.

3. American cockroach

American Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana)

American cockroaches are the largest cockroaches in Washington. They are reddish-brown and have a yellow band on their back. American cockroaches can grow up to three inches long.

Habitat: American cockroaches live in warm, humid areas. They are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and around drains.

Diet: American cockroaches eat a variety of food, including garbage and other insects.

Reproduction: American cockroaches can lay up to 50 eggs at a time. The eggs hatch in about two months.

Nymphs: Nymphs are young cockroaches. American cockroach nymphs are dark brown and have a yellow band on their back. They grow quickly and molt (shed their skin) about seven times before they become adults.

Adults: American cockroach adults are reddish-brown and have a yellow band on their back. Adults can live up to one year.

Predators: American cockroaches have many predators, including birds, rats, and other animals.

Control: American cockroaches can be controlled with a variety of methods, including traps and insecticides.

Prevention: American cockroaches can be prevented with good sanitation and exclusion.

4. Oriental roach

Oriental Cockroaches (Blatta orientalis)

Oriental cockroaches are dark brown to black in color and are about one-inch long. They have shiny bodies and long, slender legs. Oriental cockroaches are often found near garbage cans, in sewers, and other damp areas. These cockroaches can be a nuisance because they emit a foul odor.

Habitat:

Oriental cockroaches are found in dark, damp places such as sewers, basements, and garages.

Diet:

Oriental cockroaches are scavengers and will eat just about anything. They are especially fond of garbage, decaying organic matter, and starchy foods.

Behavior: Oriental cockroaches are nocturnal insects that prefer to hide in cracks and crevices during the day. At night, they come out to forage for food. These cockroaches are often found near garbage cans and other sources of food.

Reproduction: Oriental cockroaches reproduce quickly, with females laying up to 16 egg capsules in their lifetime. Each capsule contains about 30 eggs.

Nymphs:

Nymphs are small, wingless cockroaches that resemble adults. They undergo several molts before reaching adulthood.

Adults:

Adult Oriental cockroaches have wings, but they cannot fly. They are dark brown to black in color and are about one-inch long. Oriental cockroaches often emit a foul odor.

Predators:

Oriental cockroaches have many predators, including birds, rats, and other insects.

Control:

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

If you have an infestation of Oriental cockroaches, it is important to contact a pest control professional. These cockroaches can be difficult to control and eliminate. A professional will have the knowledge and experience necessary to get rid of your cockroach problem.

Prevention:

The best way to prevent an infestation of Oriental cockroaches is to eliminate their food sources. Keep your home clean and free of garbage. Store food in airtight containers and seal cracks and crevices where these cockroaches can hide.

How to get rid of cockroaches in Washington

There are a few things you can do to get rid of cockroaches in Washington. One is to call an exterminator. They will come out and spray your home and hopefully kill the cockroaches. Another way is to try and trap them yourself.

You can put food in a jar with a little bit of water and they will crawl in and drown. You can also try and block all of the cracks and crevices that they might be coming into your home from.

This includes sealing up any holes around pipes or vents. If you do see a cockroach, it is best to just leave it alone and let it die on its own. There are many different ways to get rid of cockroaches, but these are just a few.

Conclusion

We have looked at the three most common types of cockroaches in Washington: German, American, and Oriental. Each has their own unique characteristics and behaviors. While they may all be pests, understanding the differences between them can help you better deal with an infestation. If you think you have a cockroach problem, contact a pest control professional to get rid of them. Don’t wait until it’s too late!