The American Cockroach is the largest cockroach that infests homes and buildings in the United States. This insect may be recognized by a yellow “figure-8″ pattern on the shield at the front of its body. In Florida, the American cockroach is called the “palmetto bug,” and it has the nickname “water bug” throughout the United States.
Size:
Up to 2 inches long.
Color:
Reddish brown.
Behavior:
Like all cockroaches, it is omnivorous and will eat virtually anything people will and many things we won’t.
Habitat:
This cockroach thrives in warm, damp environments, such as sewers, steam tunnels, basements, crawl spaces, and boiler rooms. In southern states, it will also be found living and breeding outdoors.

The female Oriental Cockroach differs in appearance from the male which often leads homeowners to believe they have two types of cockroaches. The female is black, oval in shape, and has no wings – only two small wing pads just behind the thoracic “shield.” The male is thinner in shape, about the same length, and has two brown wings that extend partway down the abdomen.
Size:
Both male and female are about one inch in length.
Color:
The female is all black, while the male has two brown wings.
Behavior:
The oriental cockroach is a pest in homes throughout much of the United States. It is rarely seen in southeastern states, however. During the summer, oriental cockroaches move outdoors where they may venture into neighboring buildings. During the colder months, they re-invade homes, establishing themselves in basements and crawl spaces.
Habitat:
This cockroach commonly inhabits sewers and storm culverts and will enter buildings through floor drains. It will also live outdoors in firewood, leaf litter, sheds, dog houses, and similar locations. Indoors, the basement, crawl space, and occasionally the attic will be the primary harborage for this pest.

(See also German Roach)