American Cockroach vs Wood Roach: Major Similarities and Differences
American cockroach vs wood roach what are they? Even though both belong to the same species of cockroach in the world, they differ. American cockroach is a household indoor pest, while wood roaches tend to remain outdoors and make their way inside only by accident.
Although similar in appearance, they have some dissimilar habits, diets, and lifecycles. Let’s examine more closely their primary similarities and differences.
What is an American cockroach?
The American cockroach is one of the largest cockroach species to infest houses. Contrary to its name, it is not native to America. Many believed they have come on ships from Africa hundreds of years ago. They now inhabit every part of the world.
These roaches appear to have reddish-brown color with yellow marking behind the head. These are big, ranging from 1 1/4 inches to more than 2 inches in length. Their body form is oval with six legs and long antennae.
They are also known as water bugs or palmetto bugs, but these are common names. American cockroaches inhabit dark, moist areas such as basements, sewers, and drains. Since they are quick and can fly very short distances, they tend to travel rapidly in buildings.
What is a wood roach?
Wood roaches, particularly the Pennsylvania wood roach, are typically found outside in natural areas. They inhabit wood, beneath tree bark, or amongst leaf litter. Due to their light brown or yellowish-brown coloration, they are simple to differentiate from other roaches.
Wood roaches are oval in shape and range from 12 to 30 mm in length. They are larger in males than in females and are powerful fliers, particularly in warm weather. They both have wings, but the male tends to use them more to fly toward lights or in the mating season.
They don’t typically inhabit houses, but at times they move into homes on firewood or fly indoors through open windows.
American Cockroach vs Wood Roach: Detailed Comparison
1. Habitat
American cockroach likes to inhabit dark, damp, and warm indoor locations such as sewers, crawl spaces, or kitchens. They thrive in humid environments and tend to invade homes during periods of wet weather.
Wood roach lives outside. You’ll usually find them under tree bark, around decaying logs, or inside piles of firewood.
They sometimes fly into homes at night when they are drawn to light, but they do not settle or breed inside. When they do enter, they stay on the ground floors or near moisture-rich areas.
2. Diet
The American roach can consume nearly anything. It prefers to consume decaying food, pet food, crumbs, and even paper or clothing if they are greasy or dirty with food. These cockroaches are not fussy and are scavengers. They can also destroy things in their quest for food.
Wood roach prefers to consume dead plant material such as decaying leaves or wood. However, if they do enter homes, they may consume starchy foods if available. They are less interested in human food compared to other species of cockroaches.
3. Lifecycle
The lifecycle of American roaches is longer. The female deposits egg cases, each containing around 16 eggs. The egg sacs are hidden in secret places. Under favorable conditions, they can produce two sacs per week and give rise to hundreds of offspring.
Nymphs resemble tiny adults and develop by molting their skin. Adults live from 90 days to nearly two years based on the environment.
Wood roach females deposit approximately 29 egg cases. A single case contains about 32 eggs. The eggs take approximately 10 months to develop into adults. They typically do not breed within homes except when firewood is kept inside for extended periods.
Why Have I Noticed Wood Roaches?
If you’ve seen wood roaches inside your home, it could be because males are flying around during mating season. This mostly happens in May and June. Males fly in large numbers, searching for females.
If your lights are on, they may fly inside by mistake. This can make it seem like there’s an infestation even if they are just passing through.
American Cockroach vs Wood Roach: How They Are Different
Though both are cockroaches, their behavior is different. The wood roach is mainly an outdoor pest. It does not invade kitchens or breed indoors like the American cockroach does. Wood roaches are also lighter in color, smaller in size, and less interested in human food.
The American cockroach, on the other hand, is a major indoor pest. It hides in damp spaces, feeds on food scraps, and multiplies quickly. If you see roaches often indoors, it’s likely American cockroach and not a wood roach.
5 Ways to Get Rid of American and Wood Roaches
1. Seal Entry Points
Roaches enter through tiny cracks. Seal all gaps in windows, doors, or walls. This helps stop them from coming inside your house.
2. Keep Outdoor Areas Clean
Wood roaches love messy yards. Remove leaf piles, old branches, and wood stacks to reduce the chances of them living near your home.
3. Remove Food Sources
Clean crumbs and wipe surfaces. Even a small spill can attract American cockroaches. Store food in closed containers and don’t leave pet food out overnight.
4. Fix Moisture Problems
Both types like damp places. Fix leaking pipes and improve drainage around your home. Don’t let water stand in sinks or under plants.
5. Call Pest Control
If the problem is serious, contact a professional pest control service like Safe Pest Sol. They can spray both indoors and outdoors and help reduce the roach population quickly.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between American cockroach and wood roach helps you know what you’re dealing with. While wood roaches are outdoor pests that rarely breed inside,
American cockroaches are common indoor invaders. Look for signs, fix entry points, and act fast if you notice them indoors.
By following simple steps, you can stop these pests from turning into a bigger problem. Keep your home clean, dry, and sealed to stay roach-free.
FAQs
Q1: Do wood roaches bite?
No, wood roaches don’t bite humans. They are not dangerous and usually avoid people.
Q2: Are American cockroaches harmful?
Yes. They can spread germs and cause allergies. It’s important to get rid of them quickly.
Q3: Can I stop roaches without using sprays?
Yes. Sealing cracks, cleaning up food, and removing wood piles can help control them without chemicals.
Need Help? Professionals Are Just a Call Away!
Still spotting roaches even after trying everything? Don’t stress—just call our pest control professionals. We’ll handle the problem fast, so you can enjoy a clean, pest-free home again.