Thank you for maintaining such a wonderful and informative page. I just
moved to Galveston Texas and I am not used to dealing with roaches.
Tonight a wood roach flew at my head ( I was sitting under the desk light
at my computer ) and without your site I would have been sleeping in a gas
mask. It really freaked me out.
My question is this: The house I bought was flood damaged in Hurricane Ike
last year. It has been gutted to the studs and mold treated per Texas
state regulations for re-mediating a house after flood damage. Do I need
to be concerned that the wood roaches have found some vulnerable wood
inside the walls of my home? I have been here about 6 weeks and this is
the first live one I've seen (found a few dead ones in the detached
garage).
Wood Roach
Summary:
Wood roaches are large cockroaches often mistakenly identified as the American cockroach. The wood roach does not live inside structures.
The wood roach is often thought to be its cousin, the American roach. Wood cockroaches, which can grow up to one and one-quarter inches long, prefer to eat decaying organic matter and are attracted to light, whereas most roaches run from light. Females deposit their egg capsules outdoors under old logs, stumps and firewood. There is one generation of Wood cockroaches per year and, in some cases, the life cycle takes two years.
The wood roach is often thought to be its cousin, the American roach. Wood cockroaches, which can grow up to one and one-quarter inches long, prefer to eat decaying organic matter and are attracted to light, whereas most roaches run from light. Females deposit their egg capsules outdoors under old logs, stumps and firewood. There is one generation of Wood cockroaches per year and, in some cases, the life cycle takes two years.
The wood roach is often thought to be its cousin, the American roach. Wood cockroaches, which can grow up to one and one-quarter inches long, prefer to eat decaying organic matter and are attracted to light, whereas most roaches run from light. Females deposit their egg capsules outdoors under old logs, stumps and firewood. There is one generation of Wood cockroaches per year and, in some cases, the life cycle takes two years.
At dusk, Wood cockroach males may begin taking short flights and are drawn to porch or house lights. The Wood cockroach normal habitat is moist woodland areas but it frequently become a
household nuisance because it wanders into or is carried into the house with firewood.
Woods Roach
Wood roaches which are also called the Pennsylvania Woodroach, do not survive indoors which is probably the best news you have read so far. They require the consistently moist environment of their natural habitats such as under wood piles or loose bark and in decaying logs. So, unless your housekeeping is way below par, the presence of wood roaches is strictly a temporary annoyance. They usually die within a few days in the house, so a call to the exterminator is probably not required.
If Wood cockroaches are found anywhere inside the home, usually they are solitary. So, it's not necessary to go looking for the mate. Wood cockroaches do not reproduce or multiply inside. Since wood cockroaches do not establish themselves indoors and their presence is temporary (a few weeks, at most) during the spring, chemical pest control measures are rarely needed.
Comments
Stephanie
10 Aug 2009, 23:15
10 Aug 2009, 23:15
Claire
12 Aug 2009, 15:38
12 Aug 2009, 15:38
I eventually fouind you again, it really is difficult to say as I onl wsaw
the thing for sconds and when I gone and got something to get it , it was
gone, but this does look like it could be what I saw thanks, the fact it
says large at the top bit I would think its likely it waws as I haven't saw
anymore since and the thng i saw was certianly pretty big, whioch to be
honest worried me, but thanks very much for the info appreciate it, as
reasding this makes me not so worried but of course it could have been
anything but I think it is likely it was as if it were a proper cockroach I
reckon I would have saw more than one in all time, I think it probly has
wondered in through my window attracted by the light as it was night time I
saw the thing, I was actualy qiute shocked at how big it was, didn't know
you could get insects that big..and never saw one that big before.
I have gas heating but I do have a chimney maybe it came from there..I don't know..but hope not to se anting like that again.
I have gas heating but I do have a chimney maybe it came from there..I don't know..but hope not to se anting like that again.
shannon
18 Aug 2009, 22:13
18 Aug 2009, 22:13
we recently purchaced a pop up camper and we where cleaning it out and came
across a roach the person we got it from lived in the country we only found
one and no more i was wondering if american roaches could live in the
camper we brought some thing in the house that was left in there and now im
freaking out that they are in are home please give me some advice on what
to do thank you so much oh and we did not find any eggs
Stephanie Randall
31 Aug 2009, 22:56
31 Aug 2009, 22:56
We just moved into an apartment and have seen literally close to 30 of
these critters per day. We see tiny ones and ones that are over an inch
long (males, I presume.) We kill them whenever we can but are seriously
concerned this is a lingering problem. The landlord said that the
exterminator is out weekly to address any issues. They sprayed one day
before we moved in and are going to spray again this week. We keep a clean
and dry house...do you have any suggestions? My 9 year old daughter and I
are pretty freaked out at this point! Thanks.
Trish
15 Sep 2009, 04:00
15 Sep 2009, 04:00
Ok so i keep seeing different roaches i can't tell what kind they are the
one i seen today was all one color light brown with no distinguishing marks
and only bout half an inch maybe what kind is that? Then my landlord put a
diff stove in and i say little ones coming out they were dark brown around
the edge of it and had a light brown spot on the middle of its back i have
seen these before. I am so terrified that i'm going to get an infestation i
am scared of bugs what do i do?
Janera
16 Sep 2009, 21:23
16 Sep 2009, 21:23
I live in NC, the house I'm renting used to be a wooded area. When we first
moved here 2 yrs ago, we saw 1 or 2. Now we see these wood roaches every
other day, 2-3 of them. Tonight 1 was on my bed (hell no), I'm terrified. I
have my sons in my room with me. Last year someone came out and stated that
there is a lot of moisture under the house and when we walk in the kitchen,
we can hear the wood floor squeak. Please help us, I have two weeks before
we move. I'm scared that they are in some of my boxes I sstarted packing up
for the move.
wanda
30 Sep 2009, 09:38
30 Sep 2009, 09:38
we had 5 big trees cut from our yard,now we see these big roaches every
day. would a wood roach bomb set off help. they move so fast that it is
hard to kill them. They are in every room sometimes 2 a day.I don't leave
food out at night Please help me. Are these the same as water bug? wanda
Dylan
07 Nov 2009, 02:18
07 Nov 2009, 02:18
I've had problems with roaches in my apartment building and just recently
discovered something unusual - they seem to be gravitating towards wood - i
found an old cutting board in a closet covered in them, but nowhere else,
and recently under my bed on the wooden planks supporting my mattress, but
thankfully it does not appear as though they have infested the mattress
itself. What kind of roaches might these be - I live in Los Angeles.
Scott
17 Nov 2009, 04:32
17 Nov 2009, 04:32
Is there a reason they are attracted to wood? Also, I'm going to guess that
cardboard boxes are a bad thing to have around them, being paper/wood
products. I'm in the process of moving, and I really don't feel like
bringing them with me...
Julie Peacock
16 Dec 2009, 21:17
16 Dec 2009, 21:17
I have been reading about these roaches and want to get your
thoughts/advice on what I have. Here is my story. I bought an older home
(built in 1980) in January 2008. I have several pine trees growing down my
property line on the west side of my small yard. There are other trees
(not pines) in some neighbors yards. I have a constant battle to keep pine
needles and leaves out of my landscaping and off my open carport. The
first one I saw was in the storage room off the carport. I still conside
this outside my home. Then I saw another out there. I can't remember what
time of the year it was, but it must have been Spring/Summer. One night
last winter, one popped out of the cabinet under the sink and made himself
right at home. He was not at all alarmed that lights were on and that I
was determined to kill him. I may have seen one more last winter. I
didn't think any more about it, in the last 2-3 months, I have seen 4 -5 of
them inside my house. Most of the time, they are already dead (on their
backs with feet in the air - almost cartoon-like). I have a couple of
sticky pads out just to see what I might catch. I got one little mouse and
I of those roaches. I saw a smaller, live one in my coat closet (on a
coat) and it did not run when I turned on the light. From what I know
about common roaches, this is unusual. They usually scurry when you turn
on a light. I also found a live one in my bathtub the other morning. Most
of them have been about an inch long and reddish brown. Am I correct that
they are wood roaches and what do you suggest to get rid of them ASAP. I
am super clean and this is just driving me crazy. I am ready to cut down
my trees or sell my house...or whatever it takes to get rid of them. Do I
need an exterminator? Please advise. Thank you in advance for your
response.
Jessica
21 Feb 2010, 13:14
21 Feb 2010, 13:14
We moved in to an extremely old house...180 years...on a lot of property.
I have seen an occasional roach and have exterminated twice. Just found one
again the other day in an upstairs bedroom. I have never found them around
any food or dishes. Could these be wood roaches? They do not fly
though??? What can I do to get rid of these disgusting bugs?
Ashley
17 May 2010, 00:48
17 May 2010, 00:48
I have seen some roachs in my house that do not have wings. A couple mostly
dead but a few alive. We have lived her for about 7 years and over the
years i would say i find about 8 or 9 dead ones a year. Maybe 2 live ones a
year. They are always on the floor and the live ones that i have found
arent affraid of light and arent hidding. However i was gone for a few
hours today and came home and on the ceiling in my bedroom i found one with
wings. This is the first time i have seen one like this in my house. My
question is, how do i determine if this is a American roach or a wood
roach? I live in ky out in a wooded area and we have cattle. It has been
raining alot here too. Also how do you tell a baby american roach from a
baby wood roach? I just assumed that because most of the ones i found were
dead that they were wood roaches bc they cannot live indoors. Please help
me bc i am freaking out not nowing if the one with wings was a wood roach
or a american roach. My husband squashed it to bits or i could have a pic
for to send ya. Thanks!
Ask the Exterminator
17 May 2010, 10:36
17 May 2010, 10:36
The American and Wood roaches look very much alike. Rather than trying to
describe the difference, simply Google them and click on "Images" at the
top of the Google page. You'll see tons of photos from which you can tell
the differences. Same for roach nymphs (babies).
natalia michelle
18 May 2010, 09:29
18 May 2010, 09:29
THANK YOU!!! I have a phobia, and saw a roach in my house! During the
day!!! I cleaned my entire house (it wasnt really dirty it was just
something I HAD to do) I bought roach traps, sprays and everything I could.
I finally found this article! It can just be one roach!!! I lost so much
sleep! Now I can sleep again!! THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Sue
03 Jun 2010, 09:58
03 Jun 2010, 09:58
This is my question, I read some of what was written and so I'm guessing
what I been calling waterbugs are actually wood roaches? They look just
like german roaches but are HUGE...I rarely ever see them in the winter,
but once the weather starts getting hot/humid they are everywhere and I at
least see 1-2 in the house a day which is REALLY grossing me out to the
point that I lose sleep. Since I read that these kinds of roaches like hot
weather..would having a a/c on prevent them a bit? also majority of my
house is wooden floors, does that cause them to get into my house through
the floors or something? not sure what to do, do I need a exterminator?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Ask the Exterminator
03 Jun 2010, 11:14
03 Jun 2010, 11:14
First, getting an exact ID will eliminate the guessing as to whether your
roach is a wood, American or Oriental (waterbug). Each of these roaches
have unique habits.
If, in fact, your roach is a wood roach, you can treat the frames and thresholds of windows and doors, turn off outside night lights and seal up cracks around windows, doors and vents. I like the Xcluder product for sealing up stuff and a product like D-Force HPX for the treatments around doors and windows. You can find both products at shop.asktheexterminator.com.
If, in fact, your roach is a wood roach, you can treat the frames and thresholds of windows and doors, turn off outside night lights and seal up cracks around windows, doors and vents. I like the Xcluder product for sealing up stuff and a product like D-Force HPX for the treatments around doors and windows. You can find both products at shop.asktheexterminator.com.
Holly
12 Jun 2010, 13:21
12 Jun 2010, 13:21
Hi there!
I've been checking this page to determine the kind of roach I have found. I live in Nebraska and should tell you that my apartment is directly across from a field that goes to a creek. I have seen a couple of these bugs at the front entrance hanging around with the porch light on. I found one on my counter (yuck!) by my sink with the light on. Today my cat must have killed one overnight as it was dead by his food. I'm hoping it's a wood roach but who knows! It looks like there is a creamy dot by it's head but it doesn't look like a stripe but this roach is only about 3/4" long.
I've been checking this page to determine the kind of roach I have found. I live in Nebraska and should tell you that my apartment is directly across from a field that goes to a creek. I have seen a couple of these bugs at the front entrance hanging around with the porch light on. I found one on my counter (yuck!) by my sink with the light on. Today my cat must have killed one overnight as it was dead by his food. I'm hoping it's a wood roach but who knows! It looks like there is a creamy dot by it's head but it doesn't look like a stripe but this roach is only about 3/4" long.
Linda
23 Jun 2010, 15:01
23 Jun 2010, 15:01
I just found a bug on my kitchen ceiling that I suspect is a roach
(possibly wood roach). I live in Indiana, and we do not have many trees
around the house, but we did just put down mulch in the backyard around a
bush. It is about the size of my pinky finger nail, antennas that are
curved around the body, and about as long if not a little longer than the
body. The antennas seemed to be striped. The insect is a woody brown color,
with the stripes being a lighter brown. I found it at abour 2:30 in the
afternoon and it's a quick little thing. Very freaked out. Can you please
advise? Thanks
Ask the Exterminator
23 Jun 2010, 15:40
23 Jun 2010, 15:40
Ask the question as requested in "red" and I will respond with an address
to send me a photo of your bug.
deborah
09 Aug 2010, 03:37
09 Aug 2010, 03:37
Hi,
Our home is 7 years old and the lot was all wooded. We are on an acre which is cleared but beyond that it is all wooded. We have a crawl sapce and attic.We are in Southeastern North Caroline near the coast. Summers er very damp and hot. We never really had a roach problem at first, every once in awhile I would see a wood roach or water but, but in the last 2 years we have every bug known to man, and some not. Last summer the wood roaches were coming in some how but not enough that it really bothered me that much and the cats would get them for the most part, but this year it seems that I have 2 species, and the american seems to be quite comfortable coming in. I noticed that they were coming out of my vinyl siding on my front porch so I walked around the house at night with just a flash light, and they have made a home it seems in my siding above the brick and under the siding and it goes all the way around. I also noticed the in my crawl space. I just got what looked like an american cock roach climbing the wall upsatirs in my hall only this one was rounder without the noticable wings and fatter but still creepy. This creatures are huge and I mean huge. The wood roaches are not as fast as the americans but both are just frweaking me out. I cannot sleep at night, right noe it is 4 am .. I am an idiot when it comes to cleanliness. Both neighbors on either side of me have monthly exterminators, but my husband just went back to work after being laid off and I cannot afford every month. Now if it is necessary I could get one until the problem seems to go away, but I cannot keep paying for one. This is scaring me. It is like a horror movie outside at night or like a big party for them. The are also hanging out on my wood deck. I know they have to vbe coming in through the arric and fire place since they are living in the siding. Please any advise would help. I have no idea wha to do. I have pets and do not want to harm the with pesticides..
Thank You
Sincerily
Deb
Our home is 7 years old and the lot was all wooded. We are on an acre which is cleared but beyond that it is all wooded. We have a crawl sapce and attic.We are in Southeastern North Caroline near the coast. Summers er very damp and hot. We never really had a roach problem at first, every once in awhile I would see a wood roach or water but, but in the last 2 years we have every bug known to man, and some not. Last summer the wood roaches were coming in some how but not enough that it really bothered me that much and the cats would get them for the most part, but this year it seems that I have 2 species, and the american seems to be quite comfortable coming in. I noticed that they were coming out of my vinyl siding on my front porch so I walked around the house at night with just a flash light, and they have made a home it seems in my siding above the brick and under the siding and it goes all the way around. I also noticed the in my crawl space. I just got what looked like an american cock roach climbing the wall upsatirs in my hall only this one was rounder without the noticable wings and fatter but still creepy. This creatures are huge and I mean huge. The wood roaches are not as fast as the americans but both are just frweaking me out. I cannot sleep at night, right noe it is 4 am .. I am an idiot when it comes to cleanliness. Both neighbors on either side of me have monthly exterminators, but my husband just went back to work after being laid off and I cannot afford every month. Now if it is necessary I could get one until the problem seems to go away, but I cannot keep paying for one. This is scaring me. It is like a horror movie outside at night or like a big party for them. The are also hanging out on my wood deck. I know they have to vbe coming in through the arric and fire place since they are living in the siding. Please any advise would help. I have no idea wha to do. I have pets and do not want to harm the with pesticides..
Thank You
Sincerily
Deb
Ask the Exterminator
09 Aug 2010, 10:52
09 Aug 2010, 10:52
First, no matter what treatments I recommend, if you follow the label your
pets are safe unless you apply the pesticides directly on your pets.
I suggest applying a granular pesticide around the exterior perimeter of your home. I like Talstar PL. I also suggest applying Tempo 1% dust into the cracks of the siding where you see the roaches.
Both products are available by clicking "Pest Control Products" at the top of this page.
I suggest applying a granular pesticide around the exterior perimeter of your home. I like Talstar PL. I also suggest applying Tempo 1% dust into the cracks of the siding where you see the roaches.
Both products are available by clicking "Pest Control Products" at the top of this page.
c.Lawson
20 Aug 2010, 06:42
20 Aug 2010, 06:42
Yuk! Wood roaches in my kitchen cabinets and utility room. How do I get
rid of these pesky creatures? I hate them!
Ask the Exterminator
20 Aug 2010, 09:01
20 Aug 2010, 09:01
Like the article says, they are attracted to lights. Turn outside lights
off and close window curtins. They like moist decaying matter. Rake leaves
and other organic material away from foundation walls.