Pest Identification: Pennsylvania Woods Roach

Every year we have panicked people come in worried sick because they have found a cockroach in the house. Surprisingly enough, there are types of cockroaches that are not a threat to the home. The most popular one around here is a Pennsylvania Woods Roach.

The Woods Roach lives outside usually under the bark of trees or in your mulch or other such areas. They are attracted to light which is how they end up in your home. Woods roaches do not get into our food, breed inside or even live very long indoors. They are considered a nuisance pest and are very rarely sprayed for. When inside you will find this roach walking around out in the open during the day. This is a tip that you have spotted a Woods Roach. Normally a German Cockroach (the kind you do worry about) would only be seen at night and shuns the light, scattering as soon as lights are turned on.

So, please don’t panic! When in doubt, bring a sample of the insect to our office and we will be happy to let you know what you have found. Have an insect problem? Call us today 1-800-649-9992.