What is a wood roach? How do I get rid of wood roaches?

Wood roaches look a lot like German cockroaches. Wood roaches do not have the two dark marks on the thorax (section of the body after the head) that distinguish German cockroaches. In eastern Massachusetts, wood roaches are very active in June. If you are in your yard or garden, especially in the late afternoon, you will see many wood roaches. These roaches do not infest structures. Wood roaches are attracted by light. They enter around screen doors and window screens at dusk or the early evening. The Boll’s wood cockroach pictured below is the light tan color of a German roach, but without the 2 dark marks on the thorax.

If you find cockroaches in areas of your home without heavy humidity in June, it is likely a wood cockroach and pest control service or treatment is not necessary. First, vacuum or pick and remove the roaches that are inside. Then use blinds or shades to reduce light emission from the inside of your home. Finally, judiciously use exterior lights to minimize wood roach activity around doors.