The cockroach isn’t just gross. As a carrier of diseases, this insect must be fought immediately. The harmless amber cockroach has the misfortune of being mistaken for her more and more often.
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overlap of habitats
Cockroaches and amber cockroaches usually do not meet. Cockroaches, also known as cockroaches , flit across dirty floors and toilets, moving from house to house through sewer pipes. They also penetrate clean rooms and have their hiding places behind furniture. They use kitchen scraps and supplies as food.
The amber cockroach, scientifically Ectobius vittiventris, is a wood cockroach that lives in the wild or in the garden. It feeds on dead plant matter, so it’s useful. Living plants and supplies are not touched by it. It also does not transmit diseases. Therefore, they do not have to be fought.
This forest cockroach originally comes from south of the Alps. Recent climatic changes have also led to increased spread in this country. Amber cockroaches can accidentally stray into the house, which is the cockroach’s territory. These are the situations in which confusion occurs more frequently.
Similarities with German cockroach
Confusion can arise in particular between the amber cockroach and the German cockroach, scientifically known as Blattella germanica, because there are hardly any visible differences. Of course, measures to combat cockroaches can be taken even if there is a mere suspicion. But that costs a lot of time and money. if necessary, even the pest controller has to come. Therefore, it is better to rule out a possible mix-up. If you have also recognized the insect as a harmless amber cockroach, you can safely catch it and take it outside.
Striking differences
Both cockroaches are about the same size, the cockroach 1.2 – 1.5 cm, the forest cockroach 1.0 to 1.5 cm. In addition, both species have a light brown to brown body. But there are also clear differences that make recognition possible:
- Cockroaches cannot fly
- Amber cockroaches can fly well
- Cockroaches are nocturnal
- Amber cockroaches are diurnal
- Cockroaches have two dark stripes on their shoulder shield
- Amber cockroaches have a transparent shoulder plate without markings
Typical localities
The location can also help to identify the species and thus avoid confusion. Cockroaches are usually discovered by accident and in the dark. Behind the stove or refrigerator, under kitchen cabinets, in cracks and joints. They only dare to come out of hiding during the day if you accidentally startle them. Amber cockroaches also stay in the light. They can be spotted on the window or curtain, on the wall, or even on the back of a chair or table during the day.
