Ever flipped on your porch light and spotted a reddish-brown bug scurrying away? Around here in Southern Louisiana, it could be one of two culprits—wood roaches or American cockroaches. At first glance, they look pretty similar, but don’t let that fool you. Telling the difference between the two can save you from a serious headache down the line.
Let’s break it down.
Key Takeaways
• Wood roaches are outdoor pests that rarely cause infestations inside.
• American cockroaches are indoor pests that reproduce quickly and are harder to eliminate.
• Size, color, behavior, and where you find them help tell the two apart.
• Wood roaches are accidental visitors, but American cockroaches stick around and multiply.
• Professional pest control is often needed to get rid of American cockroaches for good.
Wood Roach vs. American Cockroach: Key Differences
If you’re trying to figure out what kind of roach you’re seeing, here’s a side-by-side look at the key differences between wood roaches and American cockroaches.
Knowing what to look for can help you figure out if it’s just a harmless visitor—or the start of a bigger problem.
| Features | Wood Roach | American Cockroach |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Reddish-brown to dark brown | Reddish-brown with yellow on the thorax |
| Body Shape | Oval-shaped | Elongated |
| Size | Around 1 inch | Up to 2 inches |
| Wings | Adult males fly to porch lights | Both sexes can fly, but usually don’t |
| Behavior | Accidental visitor | Known to infest homes |
| Habitat | Wood piles, leaf litter, wooded areas | Sewers, basements, and other damp areas indoors |
| Infestation Risk | Low | High |
How to Tell Wood Roaches and American Cockroaches Apart
Not sure what kind of roach just ran across your porch—or your kitchen floor? You’re not alone. These two pests get mistaken for each other all the time. Here’s how you can tell them apart.
Size and Shape
Wood roaches are usually about an inch long and have a more oval-shaped body. American cockroaches are the big boys—up to 2 inches long—with longer, more elongated bodies.
If it looks like a giant roach just ran past you… it’s probably an American cockroach.
Color and Features
Both are reddish-brown, but American cockroaches have a telltale yellowish figure-8 mark on their thorax—right behind the head. Wood roaches are a bit darker, and that marking is missing.
Look for spiny legs, long antennae, and that color pattern if you get close enough (or snap a picture to show your tech!).
Wings and Flying Habits
Male wood roaches have wings and are quick to fly toward porch lights at night. Female wood roaches don’t fly—they might not even have full wings.
American cockroaches can fly (both males and females), but they usually don’t unless it’s really warm or they get startled. If it flew right at you while you were carrying groceries in—odds are it’s a wood roach.
Where You Found It
Wood roaches hang out in wood piles, leaf litter, and under loose bark. If you just brought in firewood or left the porch light on, you might get a stray one indoors.
American cockroaches prefer basements, sewers, and crevices inside your home. They love dark, damp spots and will stick around if they find food and water.
Infestation Risk
One or two wood roaches aren’t something to panic over—they’re just passing through.
But seeing American cockroaches, especially repeatedly? That usually means an infestation. These guys reproduce fast, lay egg cases (ootheca) in hidden places, and you’ll likely have nymphs popping up before long.
Watch Out for Other Roaches, Too
Southern Louisiana’s got more than just these two:
- German cockroach: Small, light brown with two stripes—major indoor problem
- Brown-banded cockroach: Same size as German, but with a light band across the back
- Oriental cockroach: Shiny dark brown to black, prefers drains and damp spots
Each species of cockroach needs a different approach, so if you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, it’s always a good idea to get a professional opinion.
How to Get Rid of Wood and American Roaches
Once you’ve figured out which kind of roach you’re dealing with, the next step is knowing how to handle it. The approach is totally different depending on whether it’s a harmless wood roach or an American cockroach that’s ready to move in.
If You’re Seeing Wood Roaches
These are easier to deal with. Here’s what you can do:
- Move wood piles and leaf litter away from your home’s foundation
- Switch to yellow “bug” bulbs for porch lights—they attract fewer insects
- Use caulking to seal up cracks and entry points
- Avoid stacking firewood against your house
If You’re Dealing with American Cockroaches
Now’s the time to call in backup. Pros may use targeted baits, dusts, and sprays that work without getting in the way of your everyday life.
And be careful—store-bought products can actually make things worse or interfere with our treatments.
When to Call in the Pros
Not sure what kind of roach you’ve got—or seeing more than a couple? It’s time to call in the experts. At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we offer same-day service, a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and even send you a selfie video showing what we found and what we did. Whether it’s a one-time issue or a full-blown cockroach infestation, we’ve got you covered.
We serve Thibodaux, Houma, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and all over Southeastern Louisiana. If you’ve got a roach problem, we’re here to fix it fast.
Ready to take back your home?
Contact us today and say goodbye to those pesky invaders.
