Cockroaches and beetles are two very different kinds of insects, but they both have a knack for finding their way into our homes. Because of this, it’s easy to mix them up.
Knowing whether you’re dealing with roaches or beetles is important because the best way to get rid of them depends on which one you’re fighting. What works for beetles won’t necessarily work for cockroaches, and vice versa.
This article will help you tell the difference between cockroaches and beetles, focusing on their physical traits, habits, and the telltale signs that they’ve infested your space. With the right information, you’ll be able to identify your uninvited guests and choose the best way to send them packing.
What are cockroaches and beetles?
You probably know a cockroach when you see one, but did you know they belong to the order Blattodea? There are about 4,500 species of cockroaches in the world, but only about 10 of them are the kinds that tend to invade our homes.
The most common cockroach species are the American cockroach, the German cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach. The American cockroach can grow to be 2 inches long or even longer.
Beetles are members of the order Coleoptera, which is actually the largest order in the entire animal kingdom. There are more than 400,000 known species of beetles, ranging in size from 1/16th of an inch to several inches long. Some common beetles include carpet beetles, grain beetles, and the absolutely gigantic Hercules beetle.
Physical Differences: A Side-by-Side Comparison
At a glance, beetles and roaches can look similar. But if you take a closer look, you’ll spot some key differences.
Body Shape
Cockroaches tend to be flat and oval-shaped, which helps them squeeze into tight cracks and crevices.
Beetles, on the other hand, come in a wider variety of shapes, but they’re often stout and round. Many beetles have a hard outer shell or exoskeleton.
Antennae
Cockroaches have long, thin antennae that are super sensitive. They use their antennae to find food and detect danger.
Beetles have shorter, thicker antennae, and the shapes of their antennae can vary quite a bit depending on the type of beetle.
Wings
Cockroaches may or may not have wings, and if they do, the wings are usually thin and membranous. Some cockroaches can fly, but others can’t.
Beetles always have two sets of wings. The outer set is hardened into a shell-like covering called elytra, which protects the delicate hindwings they use for flying.
Color
Cockroaches are usually reddish-brown to dark brown, although some may have lighter markings.
Beetles win the prize for variety here. They come in all sorts of colors, from bright and vibrant shades to plain black and brown. Their colors often serve as camouflage or a warning to predators.
Behavioral Differences and Habitat
Roaches and beetles also differ in their activity patterns, what they eat, and where they tend to live.
Activity Patterns
Cockroaches are primarily nocturnal, which means they hide during the day and come out at night to look for food and water. On the other hand, beetles can be either nocturnal or diurnal (active during the day), depending on their species. Many beetles are attracted to light.
Feeding Habits
Cockroaches are not picky eaters. They’ll feed on scraps and just about any type of organic matter. Because of this, they can contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria and pathogens.
Beetles have varied diets. Some are herbivores (plant eaters), some are carnivores (meat eaters), and some are detritivores (they eat dead organic matter). Some beetles are pests of stored products, while others are beneficial predators that help control other pest populations.
Habitat
Cockroaches prefer warm, moist environments like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Oriental cockroaches are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and near toilets and sinks. Beetles, on the other hand, can live in a variety of habitats, but they generally prefer dark, undisturbed areas. Carpet beetles like carpets, woolen fabrics, and textiles, while grain beetles hang out in pantries and food storage areas.
Signs of infestation and damage
It’s not always easy to spot a single bug, but there are some things you can look for that will let you know you have an infestation.
Cockroach infestation signs
- Droppings: Roaches leave behind small, dark droppings that are shaped like tiny cylinders or ovals.
- Egg casings: You may see brown, capsule-shaped egg cases, also known as oothecae. The egg cases of oriental cockroaches, for example, hold around 16 eggs.
- Musty odor: Large infestations tend to have a distinct and unpleasant smell.
Beetle infestation signs
- Holes in textiles: Some beetle larvae eat carpets, clothing, and other fabrics, leaving holes behind.
- Wood gnawing: Wood-boring beetles can damage furniture and even the structural timbers of your house. The wood-boring beetle life cycle can last as long as 10 years.
- Frass: Wood-boring beetles leave behind frass, a mixture of feces and wood particles.
How do their life cycles differ?
Cockroaches and beetles develop in very different ways.
Cockroaches go through what scientists call “incomplete metamorphosis.” The babies hatch from eggs as nymphs. These nymphs look like smaller versions of adult cockroaches. They shed their exoskeletons multiple times as they grow.
Beetles undergo “complete metamorphosis.” They hatch from eggs as larvae, which look nothing like adult beetles. The larvae then become pupae before changing into adults.
In other words, cockroaches hatch from eggs to nymphs, while beetles hatch from eggs to larvae.
Summary
Cockroaches and beetles have different body shapes, antennae, wings, behaviors, and life cycles. Knowing the difference can help you get rid of an infestation.
If you can correctly identify whether you’re dealing with roaches or beetles, you’ll be able to choose the right treatment and prevention methods. For example, you can eliminate food and water sources that attract them. You can also seal up any cracks and crevices where they might be getting in. And you can be sure to keep your home clean and tidy so they don’t have anything to feed on.
If you have a severe or ongoing infestation, consider calling a professional pest control service. They’ll be able to tell you exactly what kind of pest you have and how to get rid of it.