Types of Cockroaches in Washington State
![Cockroach in Washington](/public_files/soundpest-s3-live/styles/large_1000x450/public/images/cockroachimage.jpg?h=2119cb42&itok=uDULFnqH)
There are four common types of cockroaches that can be found in our area:
German Cockroach
![German cockroach](/public_files/soundpest-s3-live/images/german_cockroach_1.jpg)
The German cockroach is the most common to be found in WA and prefers to dwell in the warmer, more humid areas of a structure. They are light brown to tan in color, approximately ½ inch to 5/8 in size, and easily recognizable by the two black stripes behind their head.
American Cockroach
![American Cockroach](/public_files/soundpest-s3-live/images/american_cockroach_1.jpg)
The largest of the house-infesting roaches, the American cockroach is reddish-brown to dark brown, approximately 1 -½ to 2-inches long, and has a tan or yellow band behind the head. They also have wings and are capable of flying.
Oriental Cockroach
![oriental cockroach](/public_files/soundpest-s3-live/styles/body_wide_850x400/public/images/oriental_cockroach_1.webp?h=3980e4de&itok=P73LLd5h)
Often referred to as water bugs because they prefer dark, damp, cool spaces, the oriental cockroach is approximately 1 inch in length and is dark brown with a shiny appearance. Both males and females have wings, but only females can fly.
Brownbanded Cockroach
![Brown Banded Cockroach](/public_files/soundpest-s3-live/images/juvenile-brown-banded-cockroach.webp)
Brownbanded cockroaches are light brown and contain two distinctive brownish bands around their wings and abdomen. The adult male measures about a half-inch long. The females are a bit shorter. Both have wings, but only males can fly.