Bugs That Look Like Cockroaches
Is it a cockroach?
Cockroaches are such feared household pests that homeowners sometimes mistake other insects for them. Some bugs that look like roaches but aren’t include crickets, water bugs, and certain beetles.
What do roaches look like?
Roaches are brown to reddish-brown in color. Their size ranges from a half an inch to almost two inches long. Cockroach bodies have a measure of shine to them, and their wings are folded tightly against their backs.
Bugs That Look Like Cockroaches
Crickets
Crickets are approximately the size of cockroaches, but their coloring is much darker, with many appearing all black. These pests also make a distinctive, persistent chirping noise, whereas roaches are silent.
Giant Water Bugs
Giant water bugs are easily confused with cockroaches, compounded by the fact that, in some regions, roaches are mistakenly called water bugs. However, true water bugs are their own species, even though they share similar size and coloring with cockroaches.
Major differences include habitat and size: water bugs are usually found near outdoor water sources like ponds and can measure up to one full inch across, while roaches prefer dank sewers and basements and are much narrower.
June Bugs/May Beetles
June bugs are typically no larger than one inch in length and vary in color from reddish-brown to almost black. Adults are active after dusk in late May and early June, hence their common names.
When flying, they often run into windows and can be found clinging to screens. Their backs are higher and more rounded than a cockroach's, and their overall appearance is stockier.
Asian Longhorned Beetle
It is curious that these bugs are sometimes confused with cockroaches, as Asian Longhorned beetles have their own distinctive look. Coloring is black with prominent, irregular white spots. Their extremely long antenna curl back and can appear to completely encircle the body.
Professional Pest Control
Seeing bugs that look like roaches can be just as unsettling as finding actual cockroaches in your home. Whether you’re dealing with cockroaches or a similar-looking insect, accurate identification and proper treatment are key to preventing the problem from getting worse. Orkin Pros are trained to assess the situation, identify the pest, and implement targeted solutions to help protect your home.
If you’re unsure what kind of pest you’re seeing, or if home remedies haven’t worked, it’s time to get professional help from an exterminator. Contact your local Orkin branch to schedule an inspection and take the next step toward reliable roach control.
More Information
Learn how to identify signs of cockroach activity, from droppings and egg cases to musty odors and smear marks. Understanding these warning signs can help you catch an infestation early and take action quickly.
Explore the physical features that help cockroaches survive and thrive, including their antennae, wings, and tough exoskeleton. Knowing how cockroach anatomy works can help explain their speed, resilience, and ability to hide in tight spaces.
What Do Cockroaches Look Like?
Discover what cockroaches look like, including common traits like their flat bodies, long antennae, and six legs. Visual identification is a key step in recognizing a potential infestation.
Get an overview of common beetle species, their habits, and the signs they leave behind. Learn how to spot beetle activity and when it may be time to take action.
