Asian Cockroaches

What do Asian cockroaches look like? 

Asian cockroaches are between ½ and ¾ of an inch in length. Asian cockroaches are light brown to tan and have two dark parallel stripes on the back between the head and the top of the wings. Their shiny wings stack on their backs and hang past the end of their abdomens. They aren’t the only cockroaches with these visual traits. German cockroaches look like this, too. In fact, it is hard to tell Asian and German cockroaches apart, at least from the top. If you catch a cockroach that looks like this, flip it over. Looking at it from the bottom, you can see the length of the wings. You have a German roach if the wings are the same length as the abdomen. If the wings hang past the abdomen, it is an Asian roach. 

What’s the difference between Asian roaches and German cockroaches?

These roaches look similar, but do they act the same? No. Not even close.

• Asian cockroaches are strong fliers, perhaps because of their longer wings. German cockroaches rarely fly. 
• Asian cockroaches are attracted to light and tend to fly toward it. German cockroaches skitter away when exposed to light.
• Asian cockroaches tend to live outdoors. German cockroaches prefer to live indoors.

German cockroaches are considered the worst of the two. When they infest a structure, they grow a sizeable indoor population. Stopping German cockroach activity in a structure without professional help is tough. If you are dealing with German roaches, contact us for assistance.

Do Asian cockroaches fly?

Yes. As we pointed out above, Asian cockroaches are capable fliers, quite a bit more capable than most cockroaches.

Where do Asian cockroaches typically hide or live?

These insects prefer to live underneath leaf litter, dead branches, logs, and other organic debris. Search for them in moist and shaded areas.

Are Asian cockroaches harmful?

Similar to other cockroach species, Asian cockroaches can carry and spread bacteria and disease. 

How do Asian cockroaches get into homes and buildings?

These insects often enter through the front door. They’re drawn to entryway lights and flutter in when doors open, but they also get into buildings like other pests do.

• Cracks in foundations
• Damaged weatherstripping or sweeps
• Gaps in unaligned doors
• Damaged screens and damaged wood frames
• Unprotect vents

What attracts Asian cockroaches?

Many factors attract Asian cockroaches. If you’ve read this fact sheet up to this point, you may already have some ideas:

Outdoor Lighting: These insects seek out light. The more lights you have and the longer you keep them on, the more attractive your yard will be.

Moisture: These insects like humid and damp conditions. Overwatering plants and dense vegetation often attract these bugs. 

Organic Debris: These insects hide in tight, damp places that provide food options. Leaves, grass clippings, mulch, sticks, campfire wood, and logs are all interesting to these roaches.

What should I do if I find Asian cockroaches in my home?

You may not have anything to worry about if you only see one or two. Asian roaches can accidentally get in. However, if you continually see them, it is time to contact a pest control company for accurate identification and professional treatment. This is essential to breaking the cycle of infestation.  If you're looking for Atlanta exterminators to solve your roach problem, got bugs? can help!

How can I prevent an Asian cockroach infestation?

There are many ways to prevent an infestation if you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves and doing a little work. Here are some suggestions:

• Remove tree branches and logs.
• Store campfire wood in a sealed bin.
• Blow leaves out of your landscaping.
• Keep grass cut low near the foundation of structures.
• Use a caulking gun to fill in gaps around plumbing and gaps around door and window frames.
• Use expanding foam to fill structural cavities.
• Replace weatherstripping or door sweeps that provide gaps for roaches to exploit.
• Replace or repair door and window screens.
• Protect vents and weep holes.