Wood
cockroaches, also known as wood roaches,
are common outdoor-dwelling insects
native to North America and found
throughout Iowa. Their normal habitat is
moist woodland areas but they frequently
become a household nuisance because they
wander into or are carried into houses
as "accidental invaders."
Wood roaches are very similar in appearance to the common household
cockroach called the American roach;
flat, oval body, long antennae, spiny
legs, chestnut brown color. However,
wood roaches are slightly smaller, about
3/4 to 1 1/4 inch long, and the adults,
especially the males, appear tan because
of the color of their wings. Adults and
large nymphs of the wood roach can be
recognized by a pale, creamy white or
transparent stripe on the outer edge on
the thorax. The pale edge extends onto
the first 1/3 of the front wings of the
adults. Positive identification of small
nymphs is more difficult and usually
requires microscopic examination.
Wood roaches do not thrive and
reproduce in homes because they require
the consistently moist environment of
their natural habitats such as under
wood piles or loose bark and in decaying
logs. Indoors, their presence is
strictly a temporary annoyance. They do
not harm the house structure,
furnishings or occupants.
Wood roaches that have wandered into
the house usually behave differently
than the household roaches. Wood roaches
are not secretive; they are active both
during the day and at night and they are
less likely to scamper out of sight when
approached. Also, they will wander about
the house without congregating in any
particular location.
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