Cockroach

The three most common species of cockroaches found in Tucson, Arizona are the American cockroach (Sewer Roach), German cockroach and Oriental cockroach. The American cockroach is the largest, most common roach in Arizona, growing up to two inches long. Most people in Tucson know them as sewer roaches and are commonly referred to as “waterbugs”. Although roaches have wings, some species such as the Oriental cockroach do not fly.

Cockroaches range in color from light brown to an oily black and can vary in size from ¼ inch to 2 inches long depending on the species. Roaches are nocturnal and generally like to hide in dark, moist, undisturbed places close to food and water, which is why they are most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. They infest homes and buildings that provide suitable conditions for breeding and feed mainly at night. They will dash for shelter when the lights are switched on.

Many roaches are most active at 84 degrees or higher. If temperatures rise in the spring and remain elevated through early fall, roach activity remains high. Heavy monsoon rains can often scour insects such as cockroaches from the sewer system.