Roaches in Indiana

Written by Taiwo Victor
Published: October 23, 2022
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Roaches live everywhere. They are extremely adaptable and can survive in any kind of environment. Not all roaches are pests, but most of them are. Roaches can be found basically in every continent except Antarctica. So if you’re living in Indiana, there’s no doubt that cockroaches are some of your most common pests at home. It’s crucial to understand the kinds of cockroaches native to Indiana if you own a home or a business there.

Not only are cockroaches physically unattractive, but they can also spread disease. Cockroaches prefer to hide during the day, but they are sensitive to our vibrations at night. So before anyone even notices them, they hurriedly flee. However, just because you can’t see any cockroaches in your house doesn’t indicate that there aren’t any. This article lists the 6 types of roaches in Indiana, where they can be found, and other facts.

6 Types of Roaches in Indiana

One of the most prevalent pests in Indiana is the cockroach. In residences and establishments around the state, there are numerous varieties of cockroaches. The German cockroach is the most widespread cockroach species in Indiana. If a German cockroach ever appears during the day, it indicates that you might have a serious infestation. We’ll discuss more on that below.

1. German Cockroach

German Cockroach

The German cockroach, despite its name, actually originated in Southeast China.

©7th Son Studio/Shutterstock.com

One of Indiana’s most prevalent cockroach species is the German cockroach, a serious year-round nuisance in the state. They have two stripes on their backs and are tiny and dark brown. 

The German cockroach, despite its name, actually originated in Southeast China. The fact that these cockroaches are vulnerable to the cold suggests that they are native to warm climates. As they can find food and water in kitchens and toilets, they are common in residences and commercial buildings. These roaches may exist wherever people do, but it does not mean they can dwell anywhere. The German cockroach depends entirely on people to thrive; without human homes to infest, they would undoubtedly perish.

Identifying the extent of the problem may be your first move if you already have an infestation. The presence of roach droppings, egg sacs, nymphs, adult roaches, stains, and unpleasant odors are indicators of a German cockroach infestation. You have two options: handle the issue alone or hire a specialist cockroach exterminator.

2. American Cockroach

American cockroach on wood

American cockroaches originated in African and Middle Eastern countries.

©skifbook/Shutterstock.com

The biggest cockroaches in Indiana are American cockroaches. They have a back design that looks like a figure eight and is brown. They are regarded as one of the fastest insects – 3.4 miles per hour is the fastest they can run away from view. Unexpectedly, they do poorly in flying. They frequently inhabit wet locations like sewers and basements and are close to food supplies.

African and Middle Eastern countries are the origins of American cockroaches. The habitats of American cockroaches include residences, eateries, supermarkets, food processing plants, and sewer systems. They can live in your walls, cabinets, kitchen, bathroom, crawl spaces, basement, grass, and beneath other man-made structures like sidewalks, trash cans, storage sheds, and porches.

American cockroaches are regarded as pests because they can infect humans with at least 22 different species of dangerous bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. The bugs’ generation of airborne allergens, or proteins that trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks, is one of their largest risks to people.

3. Oriental Cockroach

Black Cockroach - Oriental Cockroach

The oriental cockroach is one of the filthiest cockroaches in Indiana.

©iStock.com/Weber

Oriental cockroaches are sometimes known as waterbugs or black beetles, given their preference for dark and wet environments. They are slow, unable to fly, and weak climbers. Their smooth, lustrous bodies range from dark brown to black. This species frequently inhabits moist areas such as damp basements, porches, drains, and sewers. They are often found outside, hidden beneath mulch, leaf litter, bushes, and woodpiles.

The oriental cockroach is a significant pest in homes. This species is one of the filthiest cockroaches in Indiana and has a powerful odor. They will consume almost anything because they are scavengers. The oriental cockroach can spread germs and diseases to food, dishes, utensils, and counters from their legs. Salmonella, E. Coli, dysentery, and food poisoning are all spread by this species.

Baits, traps, and insecticides can be used to manage oriental cockroaches. Meanwhile, sealing holes and crevices throughout the house, removing food sources, and maintaining a clean, clutter-free environment can help avoid them.

4. Brown-Banded Cockroach

Brown-banded Cockroach on egg box

Brown-banded cockroaches are exceptionally heat-tolerant.

©Freedom my wing/Shutterstock.com

One of the most widespread cockroach species in Indiana is the brown-banded cockroach. These pests have two light-colored bands across their brown, tiny abdomens. It’s interesting to note that this species requires less moisture than the other cockroach species. This is significant because it shows that they can live in areas of your home where other cockroaches would be afraid to tread. They typically hide in cupboards and appliances, but they can be found everywhere in your house, including the living room or the bedroom.

Brown-banded cockroaches are exceptionally heat-tolerant, in contrast to other roach species that need moderate temperatures. In fact, they seek out locations with a median temperature of at least 80 degrees. The “furniture roach” is another name for brown-banded cockroaches because they genuinely enjoy being in high areas, in contrast to other cockroach species that prefer to remain concealed on the ground. This includes hidden spaces on shelves, in furniture, behind artwork hanging on walls, and behind trinkets and books on bookcases and other furniture.

The best course of action if you suspect a brown-banded roach infestation and don’t want to try to handle the situation yourself is to contact a reputable pest exterminator.

5. Smokybrown Cockroach

Smokybrown cockroaches caught in a highly adhesive trap.

Smokybrown cockroaches have wings that extend past their rear ends, an oval-shaped body, and a length of up to one and a half inches.

©iStock.com/Yusuke Ide

The smokybrown cockroach loves to reside outside, along drains, sewers, and in piles of leaves. They consume a wide range of organic or decomposing debris, but they are scavengers like other cockroaches. To survive, they must consume everything they can find. They have a light brown or yellowish band across their back and are generally brown. Smokybrown cockroaches have wings that extend past their rear ends, an oval-shaped body, and a length of up to one and a half inches. They can be discovered in buildings such as houses, shops, and offices.

The smokybrown cockroach, which is originally from temperate Southeast Asia, has spread to hot, humid regions all over the world. In regions of Japan, Asia, and the southeast of the United States, they are particularly common. The smokybrown roach loves the outdoors, unlike other urban roach species that spend most of their life indoors. 

Although smokybrown cockroaches are not believed to transmit diseases, their feces can contaminate food. Eliminating their food and water sources is the most effective technique to control them.

6. Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach

Pennsylvania Wood cockroach is light, yellowish brown in colour with pale colouration along the wing margin.

The Pennsylvania wood cockroach is light, yellowish brown in color with pale coloration along the wing margin.

©Melinda Fawver/Shutterstock.com

Although they are not endemic to Indiana, Pennsylvania wood cockroaches can be found in some residences and establishments. They are often mistaken for palmetto bugs due to their large size. They can reach a length of two inches and range in hue from dark brown to black. The Pennsylvania wood cockroach doesn’t genuinely enjoy being indoors, unlike pestilential species (like the German roach). They are a species that thrives in forests, and most of them live their entire lives there, feeding on greens and decaying wood. This cockroach is typically found after dark in areas covered with trees, on tree trunks, particularly in the lower branches of oak and elm trees. They can also be discovered in hollow trees, tree stumps, and wood piles.

The Pennsylvania wood cockroach is the one species of North American cockroach that is most likely to be discovered in firewood. Typically, they enter your home by hitching a ride on the firewood carried inside. Although they are not considered a health risk, Pennsylvania wood cockroaches can be annoying. Fortunately, this species detests living together with other cockroaches and is usually harmless.

Do Indiana Cockroaches Fly?

Some people claim to have witnessed them fly, while others firmly believe that cockroaches in Indiana are incapable of flight. It turns out that some species of cockroaches can fly, but not all of them. In actuality, the majority of cockroach species are incapable of flying. A few species can, nevertheless, travel a short distance in the air.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Indiana

Unfortunately, there is a good chance that many more cockroaches are in your home if you have only seen one. You may do a few things to eliminate cockroaches in your house. One of the finest strategies is to keep your home spotless and free of food crumbs and leftovers. 

They also search for residences with easy access to food and water. Don’t be shocked if you start noticing cockroaches sneaking around if you’ve been putting food out, leaving your garbage can open, or if your home has moisture problems. Since food attracts cockroaches, they’ll be less likely to remain in your home if you don’t provide any. To kill them, you might also try utilizing traps or bait. You might need to hire an exterminator if you have a significant infestation.

Up Next:

Roaches in Georgia

Roaches in Pennsylvania

Roaches in Ohio

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Guillermo Guerao Serra/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

For six years, I have worked as a professional writer and editor for books, blogs, and websites, with a particular focus on animals, tech, and finance. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games with friends.

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Sources
  1. Farm Food Family, Available here: https://farmfoodfamily.com/cockroaches-in-indiana/
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