Is it a cockroach?
The cockroach is a winged or wingless insect commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
CC0 photograph via iNaturalist (research-grade identification)
whichbug identifies insects from what you can see. It does not identify bites and has no health information.
What to look for
| Size | 10-50 mm |
|---|---|
| Colour | reddish-brown to dark brown |
| Shape | flattened oval body with a head tucked under the thorax |
| Wings | present in most adults, covering the abdomen, though some species are wingless |
| Antennae | long, slender, and thread-like |
| Movement | rapid runner capable of short bursts of flight |
Where you'll find them
kitchen cabinetsunder sinksbasement cornersbehind appliancesdrain pipesnuisance only
They contaminate food supplies and can damage packaging materials.
Season: year-round, most active in warm months
Signs it's around
- dark droppings resembling coffee grounds or pepper
- smear marks along walls and baseboards
- shed exoskeletons (casings)
- greasy stains on surfaces
Not sure? The lookalikes
| vs water bug | cockroaches have flattened bodies and run on land, while water bugs are aquatic and have paddle-like hind legs |
| vs cricket | crickets have long hind legs for jumping and a distinctively rounded head, unlike the flattened head of a cockroach |
| vs beetle | beetles have hard wing cases (elytra) that meet in a straight line down the back, whereas cockroach wings overlap and are leathery |
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