Not all roaches are created equal. Some species are true indoor pests that can quickly become serious infestations, while others normally live outdoors and only occasionally enter homes. Knowing which type you're dealing with is the first step toward effective control.

German roaches (Blattella germanica) are the most common and most troublesome roach species found inside homes and businesses. They thrive around people and are rarely found living outdoors in North Texas.

• Light brown to tan 
• About ½ inch long 
• Two dark stripes behind the head 
• Fast-moving and excellent at hiding 
• Usually found in kitchens and bathrooms 

German roaches reproduce incredibly fast.

• A single female can produce hundreds of offspring during her lifetime. 
• They contaminate food and food-preparation surfaces. 
• Their droppings, shed skins, and body parts can trigger allergies and asthma. 
• They hide in cracks, wall voids, appliances, cabinets, and plumbing penetrations. 

• Roaches seen during the day 
• Small dark droppings resembling black pepper 
• Egg cases 
• Musty odor in heavy infestations 
• Activity around appliances, sinks, and cabinets 

Professional baiting is often the most effective method for German roaches.

Baits work because roaches feed on them and carry the active ingredient back to hiding areas where other roaches are exposed.

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) help stop immature roaches from developing into breeding adults.

Crack-and-crevice treatments may be used where roaches hide, but simply spraying baseboards is rarely enough to eliminate an infestation.

Reducing food and moisture sources dramatically improves control.

• Clean up crumbs and grease 
• Store food in sealed containers 
• Repair plumbing leaks 
• Empty trash regularly

For German roaches, baiting is usually the foundation of a successful treatment program. Sprays alone rarely solve the problem.

Outdoor roaches normally live outside but occasionally enter homes while searching for food, water, or shelter.

Common North Texas species include:

• American roaches 
• Smokybrown roaches 
• Oriental roaches 
• Wood roaches 
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Outdoor roaches are generally larger than German roaches.

• Reddish-brown 
• Up to 2 inches long 
• Common around sewers, drains, and damp areas 

• Dark mahogany brown 
• Strong flyers 
• Often found around trees and rooflines 

• Dark brown to black 
• Prefer cool, damp environments 
• Often found near foundations and drainage areas 

Outdoor roaches may enter homes because of:

• Heavy rain 
• Drought conditions 
• Excess mulch 
• Moisture problems 
• Gaps around doors and windows 
• Garage door openings 
• Utility penetrations 

Identify where roaches are living around the property.

Look for:

• Mulch beds 
• Leaf litter 
• Wood piles 
• Drainage areas 
• Tree cavities 
• Irrigation leaks 

• Remove excess debris 
• Pull mulch away from the foundation 
• Keep vegetation trimmed 
• Eliminate standing water 

• Install door sweeps 
• Repair weather stripping 
• Seal plumbing and utility penetrations 
• Repair damaged screens 

Targeted exterior treatments can help reduce populations before they enter the home.

Outdoor roaches are usually a moisture and exclusion problem. Controlling them often starts outside the home rather than inside.

If you see a large roach occasionally, you may simply have outdoor roaches wandering inside.

If you're seeing small tan roaches with two dark stripes, especially around kitchens and bathrooms, you're likely dealing with German roaches—and fast action is important because their populations can grow quickly.

The key to successful roach control is identifying the species and using the right strategy for that specific pest. Baiting and inspection are critical for German roaches, while exclusion, moisture reduction, and exterior treatments are often the key to controlling outdoor roaches.