Brown Banded Roaches vs. German Cockroaches: Know the Difference

German roaches are notorious for being one of the hardest roaches to get rid of… but they're not alone. Brown-banded roaches, an invasive species of small cockroaches from Cuba, pose just as big a challenge to control. Knowing the difference between these two roaches can save you the headache of figuring out how they got in, where they're hiding, and how to get rid of them. 

What are Brown Banded Roaches? What are German Roaches?

If you’re familiar with your roaches (or if you follow us @MosquitoSquadCo on social media), you may have heard of German roaches before. German roaches are small, tan roaches that can quickly cause problems in your home. Brown-banded roaches, on the other hand, may be a newer pest for some. These invasive roaches are very similar: they’re small, fast, and they also reproduce quickly, turning the occasional roach sighting into a full-scale infestation in no time. 

The main differences between German and brown banded roaches are their appearance and the areas they infest. But not to fear – when it comes to roaches, Mosquito Squad Plus is here! 

How Can I Tell Them Apart?

Brown banded roaches have brown, oval bodies with noticeable brown bands across their back and wings (hence their name, brown-banded roaches).

You’ll know you’re dealing with brown-banded roaches if you see:

• Roaches that are 1/2 inch long
• Light brown bodies with dark brown bands across their wings
• Antennae that are long, but not longer than the body
• Roaches with wings that extend past their abdomen (male) or underdeveloped wings (female)

German roaches are slightly larger than brown-banded roaches, and instead of having brown bands across their wings, German roaches have two noticeable, dark lines on the back of their head. 

You’ll know you’re dealing with German Cockroaches if you see:

• Roaches that are 1/2 - 5/8 inches long
• Tan bodies with two dark stripes on their head shield
• Antennae that are longer than the body
• Wings that cover the whole body (male and female)

Where Do the Roaches Infest?

Brown-banded roaches often infest dry, warm areas – inside furniture, electronics, in drawers, and in cabinets. Notably, brown-banded roaches like to be up high. Reports of these roaches in kitchen cabinets, ceiling lights, and behind pictures on walls are common.

German roaches, on the other hand, prefer humid, warm areas whenever possible – water heaters, appliances that produce moisture (like coffee makers and refrigerators), bathrooms, and kitchens. German roaches tend to be more aggressive in their search for warmth, going so far as to infest electrical outlets, microwaves, and even WiFi routers.

In either case, brown-banded and German roach infestations stay hidden for a while. If you see multiple roaches crawling out of a cabinet or an appliance, it’s likely you already have an infestation underway. 

How Did They Get into my Home?

Both brown-banded roaches and German roaches are obligate indoor roaches, meaning they are seldom found out and about in nature. These roaches are so dependent on humans for food, water, and shelter that they've also become dependent on us for migration. Brown-banded and German roaches lay their eggs in the crevices of cardboard boxes, paper bags, furniture, and electronics, and hitchhike into our homes when we bring them inside. 

If an infestation starts seemingly out of nowhere, think back to any paper products, furniture, or second-hand items you recently brought into your home.

Are These Roaches Dangerous?

Neither species of roach can bite, sting, or scratch, nor do they transmit diseases. Like other roaches, both species can trigger allergic reactions as they congregate and shed exoskeletons and droppings. In prolonged exposure situations (like long-term infestations), these roaches have been linked to asthma. 

What Should I Do if I Think I Have an Infestation?

Because cockroaches are nocturnal, it may be tricky to spot an infestation. Besides seeing actual roaches, here are some signs to watch out for:

• Droppings - Small, dark pellets near food sources and infestation areas.
• Unpleasant Odor - A musty or oily smell in your home.
• Egg Cases - Brown, oval-shaped casings found in crevices and dark spaces.
• Live Roaches – If you see a pest, you have a pest.

Try to identify any infested items and either dispose of them or remove them from the home. Next, sanitation is key. Clean the kitchen and bathrooms thoroughly to remove any food residues and water that may be attracting these pests. Finally, call in a pest control professional, like the technicians at Mosquito Squad Plus, to help get rid of the roaches and reclaim your space. Services vary by location. 

Curious about other cockroaches in your home? Check out our other blog on Roaches Around The Home to learn more!