The adult male wood cockroaches of the larger species are about 1-3/4 inches in length; the smaller species is about 1-inch long. Male wood roaches are elongated and have wings that cover their abdomen. They are also good fliers. They are found inside because the males are attracted to house lights and squeeze through window frames.

Wood cockroaches often live under bark of dead trees and other moist locations. They may live under wood shingles. The female wood cockroaches is wingless and is rarely found. Wood roaches do not breed inside homes. The key identifying feature for wood roaches is a translucent area on the outside edge of the thorax and along the outside edge of the wing.

Because wood cockroaches do not breed inside houses, no treatment is necessary. Wood roaches are fairly easy to kill with a fly swatter or to step on. Flushing will also be effective. Consider drawing your drapes or shutting off lights in the evening to reduce the chance wood roaches will be attracted to the lights inside your home.