Bugs That Look Like Cockroaches | Terminix

Cockroaches are often mistaken for other insects. This mix-up is common because there are several types of bugs that look like cockroaches, sharing similar physical characteristics such as body shape, color, and size. Understanding the subtle differences between these insects can help to accurately identify the actual pests at home and decide on the best treatment.

How to identify a cockroach

Although there are many types of bugs that look like cockroaches, a few characteristics set them apart. Cockroaches are typically characterized by their flat, oval-shaped bodies, enlarged pronotum that partially hides their head, long antennae, and six legs.

Unlike some similar bugs, cockroaches often range from light brown to dark reddish-brown, depending on the species. Their size can also be a distinguishing factor, as they tend to vary more significantly in size compared to other types of bugs that look like cockroaches.

Palmetto bugs and cockroaches

Cockroaches common to the Southeast United States are sometimes called palmetto bugs because they are commonly associated with the palm leaves or shrubs in that region. Generally, palmetto bugs, particularly the American cockroach, are larger, with bodies measuring up to three inches, and have a reddish-brown color, while other common cockroach species, like the German cockroach, are smaller and lighter in color.

Palmetto bugs have prominent wings, and some may even be fliers in warmer climates, whereas many other cockroaches either have underdeveloped wings or do not fly as proficiently. Geographically, palmetto bugs are most prevalent in the southeastern United States.

Water bugs and cockroaches

The water bug is one of the most common bugs that look like cockroaches. Water bugs are larger, darker, and have a more flattened body, adapted for swimming with paddle-like legs. Cockroaches, on the other hand, have oval-shaped bodies and are typically lighter in color. They move quickly, especially towards dark areas.

While cockroaches are found worldwide in various environments, water bugs prefer aquatic or damp locations.

Crickets and cockroaches

Cockroaches and crickets are easily distinguishable by their physical features and movements. Unlike cockroaches, crickets have cylindrical bodies and large hind legs adapted for jumping. They are often dark brown or black. Cockroaches mostly move on their legs and can sometimes fly, whereas crickets are known for their powerful jumps and chirping sounds produced by rubbing their wings together.

Crickets’ jumping ability makes them particularly difficult to control or catch, as they can quickly leap out of reach. Like cockroaches, crickets are widespread but prefer grasslands, forests, and sometimes domestic settings.

Beetles and cockroaches

Beetles are another common bug often mistaken for cockroaches, specifically ground beetles and June bugs. Ground beetles, for example, have a hard, shiny exoskeleton that's more rounded than a cockroach's flattened body. June bugs have shorter antennae, and their wings fold neatly under a hard shell, unlike the exposed wings of cockroaches. Movement-wise, ground beetles are fast runners, and June bugs are clumsy fliers, whereas cockroaches are agile runners and can sometimes glide or fly.

These easy-to-spot differences, along with their preferred habitats – ground beetles in soil and June bugs in trees – can help you quickly distinguish these bugs that look like cockroaches.

What to do if you see cockroaches?

At Terminix, we understand how unsettling it can be to find cockroaches or bugs that look like cockroaches in your home. That's why our cockroach control services are designed to eliminate current infestations and prevent future ones before they begin. Our pest control experts are skilled in distinguishing between cockroaches and other similar pests, ensuring the proper treatment approach from the start.

Whether you are dealing with cockroaches or bugs that look like cockroaches, contact Terminix for expert pest control services!