Bugs that look like Cockroaches but aren’t

Cockroaches are disgusting household pets. However, we often confuse other kinds of insects as roaches.

What are cockroaches?

Roaches are bugs that measure from ½ to nearly 2 inches long. They are reddish brown or brown in color. They have 6 legs and pads on their tarsi which allow them to walk on walls and ceilings. Their bodies tend to have a shiny quality to it. Adult cockroaches have wings which are tightly folded on their backs. The pests are enclosed in an exoskeleton and molt many times during the process of reaching adulthood.

Cockroaches are carriers of many diseases, parasites, and microbes. They defecate all over the house and trigger diseases in kids, elderly, and other vulnerable people. Their poop also leaves an unpleasant odor/stench in the house. They are nocturnal creatures, but may be seen during the day if there is an infestation. They can live without food for up to 30 days, without water for up to a week, and without breathing for up to 40 minutes. They can remain underwater for nearly 30 minutes. They have an open circulatory system and hence do not require a head or mouth to breathe; therefore a headless roach can survive for around 7 days, but will eventually die due to not drinking water.

Cockroaches cause infestation of homes. Other insects that look like roaches usually do not cause an infestation.

Bugs that look like cockroaches but aren’t

Listed below are some bugs that look like cockroaches but aren’t.

1) Crickets: Crickets are often of the same size as cockroaches. Sometimes, they are smaller. They are darker than roaches, and many of them are black in color. As compared to cockroaches, the exoskeleton of crickets is softer. Roaches tend to be silent, but crickets make a continuous, loud, and distinctive chirping sound, especially during summers. Crickets rarely cause significant damage to the home and do not cause illnesses. They are also less likely to cause an infestation. 

2) May Beetles or June Bugs: These insects are usually around 1 inch long. They may be reddish brown or black in color. As opposed to roaches, they have more circular and higher backs and a stockier built. Adults tend to be real active and buzzing during May end or early June; hence the name. When we step on a June Bug, the exoskeleton breaks and makes a crackling sound. They do not have a good sense of direction. Hence whilst flying, they tend to run into people, windows, etc, and can be seen stuck on screens. June bugs may be found hovering around a porch light in the evenings during summer. They do not carry any pathogens and are harmless, but real irritating. Their diet is primarily vegetarian and leafy. They generally do not infest the house, but can inflict some damage to plants in the garden or yard.

3) Giant Water Bugs: It is one of the most common bugs that gets mistaken for cockroaches. What adds to the confusion is the fact that roaches are referred to as water bugs in some regions. Unlike roaches that are not aquatic creatures, water bugs usually live near outdoor water sources like ponds, etc. Cockroaches like damp basements and sewers. They waddle in water for a few seconds, while water bugs swim in water. Both have wings and are of similar color. Giant water bugs typically measure 1 inch in length. Roaches have 6 legs, while water bugs have 4 legs, one pair of which is larger than the other.

 

4) Asian Longhorned Beetle: These bugs have a unique appearance but still get mistaken for cockroaches. The Asian longhorned beetle is of black color and features random but prominent white spots. They have a very long antenna (often measuring nearly 4 inches in length) which curls inwards and seems to fully encircle its body. These bugs are quite new in the US and Canada, but they are extremely harmful for many trees.

5) Palo Verde Beetle: It looks almost the same as a cockroach. However, it is found only in the southwestern part of the US. This beetle lives in soil where they are hatched and eat tree roots and other food sources. They mature in around 4 years and then come out from the soil.

6) Ground Beetle: It also has a striking similarity in appearance to cockroaches. Ground beetles are especially confused with oriental cockroaches when seen from afar. These bugs are shiny and black and come out during nighttime for eating, searching for food, and other activities. The exoskeletons of ground beetles are harder than roaches and they make a crunching sound when crushed under the foot. Unlike roaches, ground beetles are not harmful but good for the environment. They eat insects that can harm plants and crops. If it is found inside the house, then instead of killing it you may take it outside and release in your garden or yard.

7) Boring Beetles: There are 3 kinds of boring beetle species that look like roaches, especially from afar. They are of the same shape and size as roaches, but are much slower. They may occasionally cause damage to the garden/yard, but they do not cause an infestation of the home. If you find one or two bugs, they are probably boring beetles. However, if there are numerous bugs, then the chances of them being cockroaches are higher.

8) Leaf-Footed Bug: These bugs appear like roaches, but are not that similar looking. They can be found on window sills or walls of the house, often during early fall or late summer. Just like roaches, the leaf-footed bug is also brown in color, around an inch long, and has wings. It however has markings that are different from roaches. These markings can however be distinguished when looked up at close. People tend to confuse these bugs with cockroaches due to the similarities in physical appearance and their habit of climbing walls.

Whether it is roaches or other bugs that look like roaches, homeowners should remove them from the house to prevent any untoward damage to health or property.