Is it a cockroach?
The cockroach is a winged or wingless insect commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
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 |