With about 4,600 species worldwide, cockroaches are a very diverse group of insects. They are resilient and efficient at staying hidden but there are some areas where roaches commonly hide. The most noticeable evidence of an infestation is dark-colored droppings ranging in size from a speck of pepper to larger cylindrical-shaped pellets.

Several insect species share characteristics that can be mistaken for cockroaches. Here are our top picks for bugs that look similar to but aren't cockroaches.

Beetles

Beetles, with their hard outer wing covers, known as elytra, can sometimes be mistaken for cockroaches. While both insects belong to this class of insects, beetles generally have a more compact and round appearance compared to the slender bodies of cockroaches. Most beetles also have entirely different wings that aren't as transparent as cockroach wings.

Water Bugs

Water bugs, especially those belonging to the family known as Belostomatidae, can resemble cockroaches due to their dark coloration and similar body shape. However, water bugs are aquatic insects and are typically found in or near water sources, unlike cockroaches. Roaches do need moisture to survive but prefer drier environments to live in.

True Bugs

Insects classified as "true bugs," such as certain species of assassin bugs or leaf-footed bugs, may bear some resemblance to cockroaches. Tree bugs typically exhibit distinct features like specialized mouthparts and varied body shapes that differentiate them from cockroaches.

Ground Beetles

Ground beetles, part of the Carabidae family, may share a resemblance with cockroaches, particularly in terms of their dark coloring and segmented bodies. Ground beetles usually have a more elongated shape, distinctly different from the flattened bodies of cockroaches. The roach's flat body gives it the extra advantage of being able to maneuver through even the tiniest paper-thin spaces to reach indoor areas.

Asian Longhorned Beetles

The Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) has been mistaken for cockroaches due to its dark color and size. However, this beetle has a distinct feature of long antennae and markings on its body, whereas cockroaches have shorter antennae and their bodies are typically a variation of one color.

Darkling Beetles

Darkling beetles, specifically the mealworm beetle, can share similarities with cockroaches. They are a major pest to agricultural industries where they feed on grains. Their dark exoskeletons and segmented bodies might lead to being mistaken for roaches, but a closer inspection will reveal differences in body shape and antennae length. They also move much slower than roaches.

Wood Roaches

Wood roaches are outdoor-dwelling insects that occasionally find their way indoors. While they share the name "roach," wood roaches are different from the more common household cockroaches. They have a more streamlined appearance and are generally less adaptive to indoor environments, instead preferring the food and environment of exterior spaces.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

While these bugs might share certain characteristics with cockroaches, close observation of details such as body shape, antennae length, and distinctive markings can help differentiate them. If you're uncertain about the identity of an insect in your home, seeking the expertise of a pest control professional can ensure accurate identification and effective pest management tailored to the specific insect species involved.

Cockroach Control Services

If you see signs of a pest problem or suspect an infestation acting quickly is important. Cockroaches breed quickly and can lead to large infestations before they're seen. Call us for a free inspection at 1-888-616-8739 or schedule online. At Eagle Pest Services, we offer specialized pest management plans, proudly offering exclusive Health Packages, to efficiently handle all your pest concerns.