Wood roaches—also known as wood cockroaches—are a nuisance pest that can appear in homes, especially in wooded or rural areas. Although they’re less harmful than typical household cockroaches, they can still be unsettling when they invade living spaces. Knowing how to get rid of wood roaches effectively requires a combination of identification, prevention, and targeted treatment. Here’s everything you need to know to eliminate them and keep your home roach-free.
What Are Wood Roaches?
Wood roaches (Parcoblatta spp.) are typically found outdoors in moist, wooded environments. Unlike the common German or American cockroaches, wood roaches do not breed indoors and are not drawn to food waste or filth. However, they can enter homes through firewood, open doors, windows, or cracks in the structure—especially during warm, humid months.
How to Identify Wood Roaches
- Appearance: Brown to reddish-brown with a flat, oval-shaped body. Adult males have wings and are strong fliers; females are usually wingless or have short wings.
- Size: About 1 inch in length.
- Behavior: Active at night, but unlike house roaches, wood roaches are not shy around light. They’re often seen crawling near windows or lights.
How to Get Rid of Wood Roaches
Remove Attractants
- Firewood Storage: Never store firewood inside the house. Keep it at least 20 feet away from your home and off the ground.
- Clean Yard Debris: Wood roaches thrive in moist areas like mulch, compost piles, and rotting wood. Clear out leaf litter, dead wood, and unnecessary organic materials.
- Moisture Control: Repair leaky faucets, downspouts, and roof issues to reduce moisture that attracts these pests.
Seal Entry Points
- Inspect and seal all cracks around doors, windows, utility pipes, and foundation.
- Install door sweeps and tight-fitting screens on windows and vents.
Use Insecticides (If Needed)
- For severe infestations, use residual insecticide sprays around the perimeter of your home (pyrethroid-based sprays are effective).
- Indoor use of bait stations or gel baits is usually unnecessary, as wood roaches don’t thrive inside.
Natural Remedies
- Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade): Sprinkle around entry points and dark corners. It kills roaches by dehydrating them.
- Essential Oils: Peppermint oil and cedar oil can act as natural repellents. Spray diluted mixtures near suspected entry points.
When to Call a Professional
If you continue to see wood roaches regularly despite taking preventive steps, it may be time to consult a pest control expert. Professionals can identify hidden entry points and apply targeted treatments more effectively.
Conclusion
While wood roaches aren’t dangerous, their presence inside the home can be disturbing. Fortunately, they don’t reproduce indoors, making them easier to eliminate than other roach species. By following a mix of preventive measures, environmental clean-up, and—if needed—targeted treatments, you can successfully get rid of wood roaches and enjoy a pest-free home.
