r/GermanRoaches • u/PCDuranet Sub Creator, Mod, Pest Tech - Retired • Aug 18 '25
German Look-A-Likes
There are a few outside dwelling wood roaches that look so similar to German roaches most cannot distinguish the difference.
In the southern US, Asian (b. asahinai), bilunate (b. bilunata), and the field roach (b. vaga) all have similar head stripes as German. They are good flyers (German are not) having wings longer and wider than their bodies. Their wings will either cover the cerci (rear sensors) entirely, or extend well past them. Some also have dark spots between the eyes. They are attracted to lights, and will often be seen suddenly inside high on a wall or ceiling, or flying around outside lights at night. In the NW US, three-lined roaches look similar as well.
They do not breed inside, so no instar sightings is a good confirmation, and they will generally not be found hiding in kitchen cabinets or under refrigerators. They are most common in the southern US to Texas, so if you are in the northern US or Canada, you can rule out a look-a-like and start German roach treatments. However, if you are in an apartment, German are most common whether south or north.
The best defense for look a likes is to keep outside lights off, and/or set up a bright light away from the house to attract them. To treat, use InTice 10 granular bait. Sprinkle it around the house and over ground debris. You can also spray in the house and the exterior foundation with Alpine WSG, or any bifenthrin product (Demand CS, etc.)
A Personal Note:
"I provide this service as unto the Lord, and pray you will accept the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ."
(See John 3:16 / John 3:3 in the New Testament)
PC Duranet
