Most often found inside buildings, especially near sink cabinets, appliances, food prep areas, bathroom plumbing, and shared walls in multi-unit housing. Danger level: high. A small population can grow quickly, and they’re difficult to control once they spread into tight cracks, cabinet voids, and connected spaces. Not usually a flier—they have wings but typically run and hide instead.

Common around storm drains, sewer lines, crawl spaces, basements, utility rooms, and damp exterior areas. These are some of the large cockroaches people in Georgia may call water bugs or palmetto bugs. Danger level: moderate to high. Occasional sightings may come from outside, but repeated indoor activity can point to moisture, access points, or a nearby population. Can fly short distances.

Usually found in cool, wet, shaded places such as floor drains, crawl spaces, damp garages, leaf buildup, and areas with poor drainage. Danger level: moderate. They're strongly associated with moisture-heavy conditions and can be a sign that water or sanitation issues need attention. Does not fly.

Often found outside in humid areas with trees, gutters, mulch, rooflines, attic vents, and crawl spaces—especially common in warm, damp parts of the Southeast. Danger level: moderate to high. They can move into upper areas of the home and are strong enough fliers to reach lights, vents, and roof-adjacent entry points.

Typically found outdoors in lawns, landscaped beds, mulch, and leaf litter. They look similar to German cockroaches, but fly frequently and are often attracted to lights. Danger level: low to moderate. They can be annoying around doors, windows, and porch lights, but are usually not the same kind of indoor infestation risk as German cockroaches. Strong fliers.

Found around wooded lots, firewood stacks, fallen branches, logs, mulch, and leaf litter. They may enter homes by accident, especially when firewood is brought inside. Danger level: low. They don't usually survive long indoors or build household infestations. Males can fly.