Wood roaches are distinct insects that, despite their name, behave differently from common household pests. They are primarily outdoor inhabitants and accidental visitors to homes, not typically posing a concern as indoor infesters.
Identifying Wood Roaches
Wood roaches measure between 0.5 to 1.25 inches in length, with a flattened, oval-shaped body. They exhibit a reddish-brown to dark brown coloration, and some species, like the Pennsylvania wood roach, may have pale or yellowish-brown margins along their thorax and the front part of their wings. Both males and females possess long antennae and spiny legs.
Wing differences distinguish sexes; adult males have full-length wings and are capable of strong flight, while females have shorter, underdeveloped wings or wing pads and cannot fly. Unlike many common pest cockroaches, wood roaches are not secretive indoors; they are active both day and night and often do not scurry away when approached. They also tend to wander individually rather than gathering in concentrated groups inside a home.
Where Wood Roaches Live and Why They Come Inside
Wood roaches are native to North America and primarily inhabit outdoor, wooded environments. They thrive in moist conditions, commonly found under loose bark, in rotting logs, leaf litter, and woodpiles. They are decomposers, feeding on decaying organic matter: rotting wood, leaves, and fungi. These insects are not considered indoor pests because they do not breed or establish populations inside homes.
Their presence indoors is accidental. They are strongly attracted to outdoor lights at night, especially males during mating season. They may enter through cracks, gaps around doors and windows, or be unknowingly carried inside with firewood. Wood roaches cannot survive long in drier indoor environments. They do not pose a threat to human health, property, or food, nor do they spread diseases like other cockroach species.
Managing Wood Roach Encounters
Dealing with wood roaches found indoors involves simple removal and prevention. Since they do not infest homes, extensive pest control measures are unnecessary. Individual roaches can be easily removed by sweeping them up, using a vacuum cleaner, or gently guiding them outdoors.
Preventing their entry focuses on exclusion techniques. Sealing cracks and gaps in foundations, walls, and around doors and windows with caulk can block entry points. Installing or repairing screens on windows and doors is also effective. To reduce attraction, limit the use of outdoor lights at night, especially during warmer months, or switch to yellow “bug” lights, which are less appealing to insects. Storing firewood away from the house and inspecting it before bringing it indoors can also help prevent accidental transport.