The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is the most common. It is l /2-inch long and is pale brown in color, with two dark-brown stripes behind the head. These insects typically live up to 12 months and produce more eggs than other species.

The American cockroach (Periplaneta Americana) is the largest cockroach found in homes. Adults can grow up to 1.5 inches in length. American cockroaches are reddish-brown to brown in color, with light yellow bands around the shield behind the head. Both males and females of this species have wings and are capable of flying short distances. The American cockroach can live up to two years and is commonly found in households where food is stored.

The brown-banded cockroach (Supella longipalpa) grows up to ½". Females have reddish-brown to dark-brown wings. The wings of male brown-banded cockroaches are dark brown toward the base and lighten as the wings extend to the tip. Only males are capable of flight. Both males and females have two light yellow bands across their bodies. This species jumps when disturbed. They live an average of three to 11 months.

The Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) has a glossy, dark-brown or black body. Females can grow up to 1.25 inches in length, while males typically measure less than one-inch long. Neither male nor female Oriental cockroaches are capable of flight. Their life span ranges from one to six months. Oriental cockroaches feed primarily on decaying organic matter.