Arkansas Bugs That Look Like Cockroaches
Spotting a bug scurrying across your floor can be an unsettling experience—especially if it looks like a cockroach. While Arkansas is home to several species of cockroaches, including the German cockroach and the American cockroach, there are also a few other insects that resemble them. Misidentifying these bugs can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion about the best way to handle an infestation. In this guide, we’ll break down some of the most common cockroach lookalikes found in Arkansas and how you can tell the difference.
What Do Cockroaches Look Like?
Cockroaches are typically flat, oval-shaped insects with long antennae and fast-moving legs. They range in size from half an inch to over two inches long, depending on the species. Many cockroaches have a glossy, brown or reddish-brown appearance, and some have distinguishing markings, such as bands or stripes.
In Arkansas, the most common species include:
- German Cockroach – Light brown with two dark stripes behind the head. Small in size but one of the most common indoor pests.
- American Cockroach – Large, reddish-brown, and known for preferring warm, damp environments like basements and commercial kitchens.
- Smokybrown Cockroach – Uniformly dark brown with wings that extend past the abdomen. Found in wood piles, attics, and tree bark.
- Oriental Cockroach – Dark, shiny brown to black, preferring cool, damp environments like drains and basements.
- Woods Cockroach – Lighter in color with a distinct band around the head. They often enter homes by accident but don’t typically infest indoor spaces.
If you’ve noticed a bug that looks like a cockroach, it’s important to identify it correctly before assuming the worst.
Giant Water Bugs vs. Cockroaches
Giant water bugs (Lethocerus americanus) are often mistaken for cockroaches due to their large, flat bodies and brownish coloration. However, they are even larger than American cockroaches, sometimes exceeding two inches in length.
Unlike cockroaches, which thrive in kitchens and bathrooms, giant water bugs live in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. They occasionally fly toward lights at night and end up on porches or inside homes, but they do not infest indoor spaces. Water bugs are also predators that feed on small fish and insects, whereas cockroaches scavenge for food scraps and organic material.
Asian Longhorned Beetle vs. Cockroaches
The Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) shares some physical similarities with cockroaches, but a closer look reveals distinct differences. These beetles have a glossy black body covered in white spots, and their long, banded antennae set them apart from the shorter, straight antennae of cockroaches.
While cockroaches are flat and oval-shaped, Asian longhorned beetles are more cylindrical and rigid. They also do not infest homes or seek out food scraps; instead, they bore into trees, causing significant damage to hardwoods.
Ground Beetles vs. Cockroaches
Ground beetles are another common lookalike. While they share the dark coloration of many cockroach species, ground beetles have a harder, shinier exoskeleton and noticeably shorter antennae.
Unlike cockroaches, which prefer warm, moist areas inside homes, ground beetles are typically found outdoors in gardens and wooded areas. If a ground beetle does make its way inside, it is usually by accident and does not indicate an infestation.
Larder Beetles vs. Cockroaches
Larder beetles can also be mistaken for cockroaches, especially since they often appear in kitchens and pantries. However, their body shape is more rounded, and they have a distinct band of yellowish-white hairs across their backs.
While cockroaches thrive in warm, humid areas, larder beetles are drawn to stored food, dried meat, and even dead insects. If you spot an insect in your pantry that resembles a cockroach, it may actually be a larder beetle searching for food.
Professional Cockroach and Pest Control Options
If you’re still unsure whether the bug you’ve spotted is a cockroach or a lookalike, a professional pest inspection can provide clarity and peace of mind. Adams Pest Control has been serving Central and Northwest Arkansas for years, offering expert pest management solutions tailored to your home and business needs.
Cockroach infestations can be difficult to manage on your own, as they reproduce quickly and hide in hard-to-reach areas. Our team specializes in comprehensive inspections, targeted treatments using the latest pest control technology, and preventative strategies to keep cockroaches and other pests from coming back.
If you suspect a cockroach problem or simply want to ensure your home remains pest-free, give Adams Pest Control a call today. We’re here to help you take back your space—quickly, safely, and effectively.