Need to Know: What Bugs Look Like Cockroaches?

What bugs look like cockroaches and why is it important to know such things?

Well, after you have spotted the first sign of a bug infestation in your house, you have a limited amount of time to stop the bugs from breeding before they get out of hand.

Before you can formulate a plan for treating your house against bugs, you need to know exactly what kind of bugs you have. Many people jump to the conclusion that they have cockroaches in their home, and opt for bug bombs and roach traps right away.

Unfortunately, there are several types of insects that are commonly mistaken for cockroaches. Some of which are not harmful at all and others are not susceptible to the same pesticides as cockroaches.

Let’s see now what bugs look like cockroaches and what you should do about them.

3 Bugs That look Like Cockroaches

Photo Credit: David Short

1) Ground Beetle

The ground beetle is probably the bug that is most often mistaken for a cockroach. It has similar features to a roach.

• The ground beetle has a wide body of dark brown or black and leathery wings.
• They are roughly the same size, and at first glance, can be very convincing.

However, there are several differences worth noting to help you discern which one is residing in your home.

• There are roughly 2,500 known species of ground beetles in varying sizes and colors.
• While they are not typically welcome in people’s homes, it is good to know that they are not dangerous.
• They do not spread diseases or cause destruction to property, and they are not a danger to pets.

These bugs are only susceptible to roach killing agents if they come into direct contact with the pesticide.

• Thus, most bug bombs or sprays will not eliminate them.
• Instead, you will need to use an outdoor barrier to prevent them from coming inside if you wish to stop them.

Photo Credit: Gemma Stiles

2) Crickets

While many people are familiar with the sound that crickets make, few people actually have a chance to see many crickets.

• Crickets are very small, fast, and share a similar brown and red color with cockroaches.
• In addition, they typically come out at night and become noisy, and go into hiding when someone walks too close.
• Their quick speed and their coloring make them another insect that can easily be mistaken for a cockroach, since you probably won’t get a chance to actually examine one before it runs.

The best way to tell the difference between the two is the cricket’s long hind legs used for jumping.

• Like the ground beetle, crickets are not typically harmful to people.
• But they do tend to live in the same types of environments as cockroaches.
• Thus, it is still possible for them to spread some diseases.
• The good news is that crickets can be easily removed with bug lights and simple traps, so you won’t need heavy pesticides.

Photo Credit: Wolfram Sondermann

3) Water Bugs

Another type of insect that is frequently thought to be a cockroach is the Water Bug.

• Some people even refer to cockroaches as Water Bugs due to the negative connotation of acknowledging the presence of cockroaches in your home.
• Other names that are used are “Palmetto Bug” or “Croton Bug”.

It is important to recognize that these are all different and distinct species.

• The term water bug actually refers to a wide variety of insects that prefer to live in areas with access to standing water, while cockroaches only look for humid areas.
• Unfortunately, water bugs are typically larger and more aggressive than cockroaches, and their bites can be painful to humans.
• They look extremely similar so you may not be able to tell which is which without a professional’s help.

However, water bugs tend to be darker in color, while cockroaches have more of an orange or red tint.

The best way to eliminate them in your home is to make sure that you are keeping bathrooms and kitchens clean and free of water sources that will attract these aquatic insects.

What Bugs Look Like Cockroaches: Summary and FAQs

There are many misconceptions about cockroaches and how to handle them.