
At first glance, termites and cockroaches appear as different as night and day. However, recent discoveries classified them under the same order, Blattodea, hinting at a closer relationship than previously thought. In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between cockroaches and termites.
We’ll also provide practical insights on how to manage and eliminate these unwelcome guests from your home, from maintaining your house and fixing leaky pipes to termiticides. Whether you’re dealing with a termite infestation or a cockroach problem, understanding these creatures is the first step in effective pest control.
What Are Termites and Cockroaches?

Cockroaches: smuay / Canva Pro / License
Termites: maeklong/ Canva Pro / License
While often lumped together as household pests, termites and cockroaches belong to distinct families within the Blattodea order, each with unique characteristics.
Termites:

- Part of the Termitoidae epifamily
- They are small in size, with a cylindrical body shape.
- Reproductives are equipped with two pairs of wings, though these are often shed once they find a place to establish a new colony.
- They primarily feed on cellulose, a substance found in wood, paper, and other plant materials.
- This diet is the reason why termites are often found in wooden structures, causing significant damage to homes and buildings.
Cockroaches:

- One of the most common, the American cockroach, belongs to the Blattidae family.
- They are characterized by their flat, oval bodies, long antennae, and, in the case of males, wings.
- Not all cockroaches are pests; only a few species tend to invade human habitats.
- These species are particularly concerning in environments like restaurants, hospitals, and areas where food is handled, as they are known carriers of Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
- Cockroaches’ resilience and tendency to thrive in various environments contribute to their “yucky” reputation, making them unwelcome guests in any setting.
Similarities and Differences Between Cockroaches and Termites
Cockroaches and termites share several similarities and differences across various aspects of their lives:
Shelter Preferences
Both cockroaches and termites instinctively seek shelter in human homes, though for slightly different reasons. Their search for shelter is primarily driven by the need for food and water.
- Termites are particularly attracted to wood, which they consume, and are often found in wooden structures, such as ceilings, fences, decks, and furniture.
- Cockroaches are drawn to decaying organic matter and also require moisture to survive. In homes, they are attracted to dark, moist places and often nest inside homes while remaining hidden.
This shared attraction to moisture-rich environments often leads both insects to similar habitats within human residences, such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms, where they can find both food and water.
Feeding Habits

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The feeding habits of termites and roaches are markedly different:
- Termites primarily digest cellulose, which leads them to consume wood, paper, cardboard, drywall, and similar materials.
- Cockroaches, on the other hand, are omnivorous and less selective, consuming a wide range of materials, including decomposing vegetation, dead insects, and food scraps.
However, certain species of cockroaches, specifically wood roaches, also feed on wood. These cockroaches are typically found consuming decaying organic matter outdoors, such as dead trees and rotting wood.
This overlap in dietary preferences is a notable similarity between the two, although most cockroach species have a more varied diet compared to termites.
Physical Appearance

Cockroaches and termites share some important similarities in their physical appearance:
- Both cockroaches and termites possess exoskeletons, a characteristic common among all insects that provides physical protection.
- Both insects are equipped with wings. In termites, these wings are often shed after they find a suitable location to form a new colony. In contrast, only male cockroaches typically have wings, used for short flights or gliding.
However, they also differ a lot in other aspects:
- Cockroaches are generally larger, ranging from 1 to 3 inches in length. They have flat, oval-shaped bodies with long antennae.
- In contrast, termites are smaller, typically less than one inch, and lack the flattened appearance of cockroaches. They have a thick waist and a more uniform, straight body.
- Regarding color, worker termites, which constitute the majority of a colony, are usually pale or light tan in color, while cockroaches tend to be brown to black.
Social Behavior

The social structures of cockroaches and termites are markedly different:
- Termites exhibit a complex social system akin to that of ants and bees. Their colonies are divided into specific roles or castes, each with distinct responsibilities that contribute to the survival and efficiency of the colony.
They have workers who forage, build nests, and take care of the young; termite soldiers who protect the colony; and reproductives, which include the queen and king, and have the role of laying eggs. - Cockroaches, in contrast, are known to aggregate in areas where food and moisture are available. This aggregation is not governed by a strict social order but rather by environmental factors and the availability of resources.
Droppings

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Distinguishing between cockroach poop and termite frass can be an essential factor in identifying an infestation and understanding the type of pest you’re dealing with.
Cockroach Poop
- Cockroach poop is typically dark, usually blackish-brown. They are cylindrical in shape with blunt ends.
- These droppings often have ridges along their length, giving them a somewhat segmented appearance.
- The texture of cockroach poop is waxy, a result of the oils and other substances consumed by the cockroaches.
- The size of the droppings can vary depending on the species of the cockroach. Larger species, like the American cockroach, produce larger droppings, while smaller species produce finer, pepper-like feces.
Termite Droppings
- Termite droppings, often referred to as frass, can resemble sawdust or fine sand. This is due to their diet, which is primarily wood.
- These droppings are pellet-like, with a more uniform shape compared to cockroach poop.
- Termite droppings are commonly found near termite holes or entry points into wood.
- The color of termite droppings can vary, generally matching the color of the wood they have been consuming.
Type of Damage

The type of damage caused by these insects also varies. While cockroaches are often associated with filth and decay and can carry harmful microbes, they typically do not cause extensive damage. Here’s how they differ:
Termite Damage
Termites are infamous for their ability to cause structural damage, primarily due to their wood-consuming diet. Termite damage can be extensive and costly, particularly because it often goes unnoticed until it is severe. Key points include:
- Wood damage: Termites feed on cellulose found in wood, leading to the deterioration of wooden structures in homes, such as beams, floors, and furniture. Over time, this can compromise the structural integrity of a building.
- Hidden nature: One of the most problematic aspects of termite damage is its concealed nature. Termites often eat wood from the inside out, leaving the exterior surface intact while the interior becomes hollowed out.
- Economic impact: The economic impact of termite damage is significant. They cause billions of dollars in damage annually, necessitating costly repairs and even complete replacements of structural components.
Cockroach Damage
The damage caused by cockroaches is less about physical destruction and more about health and hygiene concerns. While they do not cause structural damage like termites, their presence can lead to other issues:
- Health risks: Cockroaches are known carriers of bacteria and pathogens, including Salmonella and E. coli, which can contaminate food and surfaces. Their droppings and shed skin can also trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children.
- Contamination: Roaches are attracted to food sources, including those in human homes. They can contaminate food and cooking surfaces, leading to food poisoning and other health problems.
- Psychological impact: The presence of cockroaches can cause significant distress and discomfort, affecting the well-being and quality of life of people in infested homes or buildings.
Comparative Overview: Cockroaches vs. Termites
While both cockroaches and termites come from the same Blattodea order and can be found inside our homes, they exhibit some important differences in appearance and behavior. The following table summarizes these differences:
Key Differences | Cockroaches | Termites |
Shelter Preferences | Prefer dark, moist places; often nest inside homes | Attracted to wooden structures; consume as they go |
Feeding Habits | Omnivorous; eat a variety of materials | Primarily digest cellulose (wood, paper, cardboard) |
Physical Appearance | 1-3 inches, flat oval body, long antennae | Smaller, <1 inch, pincers, thick waist, straight body |
Social Behavior | Live in groups but without a hierarchical structure | Highly organized colonies with defined roles (workers, soldiers, reproductives) |
Droppings | Dark, blackish-brown, cylindrical, waxy texture | Resemble sawdust or fine sand, pellet-like |
Damage | Health risks (microbes), contamination of food sources | Structural damage to wooden structures |
How to Get Rid of Termites vs. Cockroaches
Another key difference between termites and cockroaches is in dealing with them. Termites usually require professional intervention for effective elimination. Cockroach infestations can often be managed with a combination of over-the-counter products and home maintenance practices.
Let’s explore the various methods below:
Termite Control

Here are a few methods used by termite control experts to get rid of termites in homes and buildings:
- Liquid termiticides: This method involves the application of liquid chemicals to the soil around and under a building. These termiticides create a chemical barrier that termites cannot penetrate.
- Bait systems: These involve placing bait stations around the perimeter of your property. Termites are attracted to these stations and consume the bait, which contains slow-acting insecticides. The termites then carry the insecticide back to their colony, spreading it throughout the entire population. It may take longer to work.
- Heat treatments: They involve raising the temperature in the infested area to a level that termites cannot survive. This method is particularly useful for targeting termites in specific areas of a structure, like walls or furniture. It requires specialized equipment and should be performed by professionals.
- Fumigation: In cases of severe or widespread infestations, fumigation tenting might be necessary. This process involves sealing the affected structure and releasing a gas that penetrates all areas, effectively killing termites throughout the building.
Roach Control

Here’s how to keep cockroaches out of your home:
- Maintain cleanliness: Keeping your home clean is the first and most crucial step in preventing cockroach infestations. Ensure that food is sealed and stored properly, countertops and floors are free of crumbs and spills, and garbage is disposed of regularly and kept in sealed containers.
- Fix leaky pipes: Moisture attracts cockroaches, so it’s important to repair any leaky pipes and address damp areas in your home. Regularly check under sinks, bathrooms, and other areas prone to moisture.
- Use boric acid: Boric acid is a common and effective method for killing cockroaches. Mix equal parts of it with water and sugar, and apply in areas where roaches are likely to crawl through. You can also buy boric acid with lures.
- Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkling food-grade diatomaceous earth around areas where cockroaches are seen can be effective. This natural substance causes dehydration in cockroaches by damaging their exoskeletons.
- Baking soda bait: A simple home remedy involves mixing baking soda with table sugar. The sugar attracts the cockroaches, while the baking soda reacts with their stomach acid, killing them.
FAQ About Cockroaches and Termites
Are Termites Related to Cockroaches?
Yes, termites are indeed related to cockroaches. Recent studies based on DNA evidence have revealed that both cockroaches and termites share a common ancestor. It is estimated that they diverged from this common lineage approximately 150-170 million years ago. Consequently, it is believed that termites have likely evolved from ancestral cockroaches.
Do Roaches Eat Termites?
Yes, cockroaches can feed on termites, but this behavior is not typical and usually occurs under specific circumstances. Cockroaches are opportunistic feeders and primarily prefer a diet consisting of starches, sweets, and various crumbs and food scraps commonly found in human habitats.
However, in situations where these preferred food sources are scarce, cockroaches may turn to other available options, including termites.
What Does a Baby Cockroach vs. Baby Termite Look Like?
Both baby cockroaches and baby termites are referred to as nymphs. They have distinct appearances:
- Nymph cockroaches are pale and small, measuring between 1/8 and 1/4 inch. These nymphs have six legs and two antennae. Most species of cockroach nymphs do not possess wings. In appearance, they may be somewhat similar to bed bugs.
- Nymph termites are pale white and almost translucent. As they grow and develop, they may become more yellowish or light brown. Termite nymphs will eventually mature into one of the various castes within the termite colony, such as workers, soldiers, or reproductives, and their appearance will change accordingly as they reach these stages.
When to Call a Professional Exterminator
Preventive measures play a crucial role in keeping both termites and cockroaches at bay. Simple actions like maintaining cleanliness, properly storing food, managing moisture levels, and sealing entry points can go a long way in deterring these pests from taking up residence in your home.
However, once an infestation takes root, the situation often requires more than just DIY solutions. This is especially true for termites, which can cause serious structural damage to your home. So, call a termite control expert in your area to ensure these pests are dealt with safely.
Main Image Credits:
Cockroaches: frank600 / Canva Pro / License
Termites: ApisitWilaijit / Canva Pro / License