There are over 4,500 types of cockroach in the world. Thankfully there are only around three kinds of roaches that you will generally discover in your house. If you spot a cockroach in your house, expect it to be a German cockroach, American roach, or Smokybrown roach. It’s very important to know which kind of roach you’re dealing with so you can take on the problem with the right strategy.

What’s the Difference?
They are typically found in warm, dark, wet places. They are nighttime pests, so if you see one throughout the day, this could be a sign of a larger problem. Roaches are often found in basements, attics, underneath garbage piles, and even behind furniture.

The American Cockroach
The most common cockroaches to come across are the American cockroaches, though you might know them as palmetto bugs,. Once inside, they tend to head towards bathrooms, kitchen areas, utility room and basements in search of water or food. American roaches can run really fast and often tend to hide away in dark places. When endangered or disturbed they might even fly.

Smokybrown Roach
The Smokybrown roach is generally found throughout the southeast. Smokybrown roaches are prone to dehydration so they are most frequently found in moist areas where you might have a moisture problem. Keep an eye on your plumping, as this is one of the most common reasons to have moisture problems in the house. These roaches often tend to be in hiding till nighttime when they head out to look for food.

German Roach
Similar to the American roaches, German cockroaches are among the most common to turn up in your house. They are generally found inside in search of warmth and water. They have an extremely fast reproduction price, meaning they can rapidly end up being a major problem if not dealt with quickly.