Oriental, American and other Cockroaches

Family Blattidae

American cockroach (Periplaneta americana). Photo:Stephanie Boucher

In Canada, these insects are limited to artificial conditions such as houses, warehouses, greenhouses and city sewers. They are commonly found on ships and in seaports. Although they do not carry diseases or bite, some people are allergic to them. Blattidae are large cockroaches, usually reddish brown, dark brown or black. They have a flat, oval body and long slender antennae. Oriental cockroaches are wingless.

Distribution of American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) in Canada