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Identify Your Cockroach Species

Four species of cockroach are commonly found across Spain. Identifying which species you have is the first step to getting rid of them.

Looking for the full picture? Read our complete cockroach guide for Spain — prevention, treatment, costs, and more.

German cockroach (Blattella germanica): small, tan, two dark stripes behind the head

German Cockroach

Blattella germanica · 12–15mm

The most common indoor cockroach in Spain. Light brown with two dark stripes. Found in kitchens and bathrooms.

Most common indoors
American cockroach (Periplaneta americana): large, reddish-brown, yellow band behind the head

American Cockroach

Periplaneta americana · 35–40mm

The large, flying cockroach. Reddish-brown. Enters through drains and outdoor areas.

Common outdoors
Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis): glossy dark brown to black, stubby wings

Oriental Cockroach

Blatta orientalis · 20–27mm

The sewer cockroach. Dark brown to black. Found in drains and damp areas.

Common in drains
Brown-banded cockroach (Supella longipalpa): small, with two pale bands across the wings

Brown-Banded Cockroach

Supella longipalpa · 10–14mm

Less common. Light brown with two lighter bands. Prefers warm, dry spots like bedrooms.

Less common

Our complete guide includes a full comparison table of all species.

Read the Complete Guide