Female Turkestan cockroaches grow to about an inch in length, while males are slightly shorter. Both have dark, reddish-brown to black bodies. Females have cream-colored markings on their wings, while males have pale yellow wings with cream-colored stripes.
Because of their coloring, females are often mistaken for Oriental cockroaches, and males are sometimes confused with American cockroaches, even though they’re noticeably smaller. The easiest way to identify them is by their distinctive cream-colored markings.
They’re not picky. Turkestan cockroaches feed on all kinds of plant and animal matter, including garbage, animal remains, pet food, and decaying vegetation.
Yes. Like other roaches, they can be a health hazard. These pests spend time in filthy environments, picking up bacteria and other harmful pathogens on their bodies. When they crawl through your home, they can spread those germs to food prep surfaces, dishes, and other areas, putting your family at risk.
These roaches love moisture and typically live outdoors near water sources, which means they rarely survive long indoors. However, they can still make their way inside, usually while searching for water.
Turkestan cockroaches may enter through small openings like:
The most obvious sign is spotting the roaches themselves—usually at night, since they’re nocturnal. They’re attracted to light and can fly, so you might see them near porch lights or windows. Outdoors, they tend to hide in leaf piles, cracks, and damp spots.
Other signs include:
Not usually. They’re considered more of a nuisance than a threat to your property. Since they don’t thrive indoors, structural damage is rare. Outdoors, they might burrow into patio furniture or other damp materials, which can lead to minor wear and tear.
They don’t survive well indoors, but if they do make it inside, you’ll most likely find them in moist areas like:
Roaches are notoriously tough to eliminate, and Turkestan cockroaches are no exception. Professional help is your best bet for total control. A licensed pest control provider can track activity, target nesting areas, and treat the problem effectively.
At Big Time Pest Control, we offer targeted, local solutions to help you take your home or yard back from these persistent pests.
Prevention starts with making your property less inviting. Focus on cutting off moisture, hiding places, and food sources. Here’s how:
Reduce moisture:
Clean up your yard:
Remove food sources:
Seal up entry points:
For the best protection, pair your efforts with routine pest control. Call Big Time Pest Control for reliable Turkestan cockroach control that actually works—so you can stop worrying and get back to enjoying your space.
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Wayne L.
Anderson, CA
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Anderson, CA
Matt is always very thorough and willing to answer questions. He’s also the first person our dog is willing to take treats from. My dog likes you, and you get rid of my ants—that’s a win-win in my book. Thanks, Matt!
Danielle C.
Mt. Shasta, CA
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