Cockroaches are among the most dreaded household pests in Shawnee, KS, but many bugs look similar to cockroaches, causing confusion for homeowners. In fact, bugs that look like roaches but are not often end up being harmless beetles, crickets, or other insects. This guide answers the key question right away: What are the most common bugs that look like cockroaches, and how do you tell them apart?

Knowing the difference is important because mistaking one insect for another can lead to wasted time, unnecessary fear, or using the wrong treatment method. Below, you’ll learn about 12 bugs that look like cockroaches, how to identify them, and when it’s time to call a pest control Shawnee KS professional.

Common Bugs That Look Like Cockroaches

Below are the most frequently misidentified insects, including some harmless and some potentially damaging species. These explanations naturally include phrases like bugs that look similar to roaches and cockroach looking beetle while keeping the writing high-quality and natural.

1. Ground Beetles

Ground beetles are one of the most common cockroach looking beetle species. Their dark bodies and shiny shells often make homeowners think they’ve seen roaches.

Ground beetles:

• Have hard, ridged wing covers
• Have shorter antennae than roaches
• Prefer soil, mulch, and rocks outdoors
• Feed on smaller insects (which actually makes them beneficial)

Finding ground beetles indoors in Shawnee may mean you have gaps around the foundation or garage door seals. Sealing these entry points is important to prevent future intrusions.

2. June Bugs (May Beetles)

Another bug that people confuse with cockroaches is the June bug, especially in well-lit neighborhoods around Shawnee Mission Parkway.

June bugs:

• Are slow crawlers
• Have bulky, rounded bodies
• They are strongly attracted to porch lights
• Do not infest homes

While harmless, large numbers outdoors can be annoying, especially in summertime.

3. Water Bugs

True water bugs are often incorrectly labeled as cockroaches online. These insects are huge, intimidating, and definitely resemble roaches.

However, water bugs:

• Live near natural water sources like lakes and ponds
• Use strong front legs to catch prey
• Deliver a painful bite
• They are much larger than cockroaches

Inside a home, “water bugs” are almost always large American cockroaches, which Shawnee pest control technicians routinely eliminate.

4. Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are sometimes mistaken for small cockroach nymphs due to their similar color and shape.

Bed bugs:

• Have round, flattened bodies
• Do not have long antennae
• Hide in mattresses, baseboards, and furniture
• Feed exclusively on blood

Cockroaches may avoid humans, but bed bugs seek them out. Bed bug infestations require professional extermination.

5. Crickets

Crickets share some coloration with small roaches, which can lead to confusion.

Crickets:

• Have large hind legs made for jumping
• Chirp (roaches cannot)
• Prefer damp basements and crawlspaces

These insects are harmless but can become a nuisance in the household, making noise.

6. Termites

Termite swarmers resemble winged cockroaches, especially when flying around lights.

Termites:

• Are light-colored
• Have straight antennae
• Have wide waists
• Feed on wood

Termites can cause structural damage, so if you suspect them, contact an exterminator Shawnee KS immediately.

Additional Bugs That Look Similar to Roaches (to Cover the Full “12 Bugs” Query)

To help your page rank for “12 bugs that look like cockroaches,” here are several more commonly confused species:

7. Wood Roaches (Look Similar but Behave Differently)

Harmless, outdoor-dwelling roaches that wander inside by accident.

8. Oriental Beetles

Shiny, fast-moving beetles that resemble small roaches.

9. Click Beetles

Elongated bodies and dark coloration often trigger false alarm responses to cockroaches.

10. Longhorn Beetle Nymphs

Flattened bodies make them look roach-like to untrained homeowners.

11. Palmetto Bugs

A regional nickname for large American cockroaches is often confused with that of other insects entirely.

12. Earwigs

Dark, fast-moving insects that resemble roaches until you notice the pincers.

How to Tell Cockroaches Apart From Look-Alikes

Here’s how Shawnee homeowners can identify true cockroaches:

1. Body Shape

• Cockroaches: flat, oval
• Beetles: rounder, harder shell
• Termites: soft, pale bodies

2. Behavior

• Cockroaches: extremely fast
• Crickets: jump
• Beetles: crawl slowly

3. Habitat

• Cockroaches: kitchens, bathrooms, basements
• Crickets & beetles: outdoors, garages
• Bed bugs: mattresses and furniture

4. Antennae & Legs

• Cockroaches: long, thin antennae
• Beetles: short, thick antennae
• Crickets: long jumping legs

Why This Matters to Shawnee, KS Homeowners

Shawnee homes, especially those near wooded areas, creeks, or older subdivisions, are more likely to experience pest confusion. Moist basements, stone foundations, and heavy vegetation create ideal environments for beetles, crickets, and roach look-alikes.

Understanding what you’re seeing helps you:

• Avoid panic
• Choose the right treatment
• Prevent unnecessary pesticides
• Know when to call the pros

Our technicians often help homeowners in:

• 66203
• 66216
• 66217
• 66218
• 66226
• 66227

…correctly identify pests and stop infestations fast.

When to Call a Professional

If you’re not sure whether you’re dealing with roaches, termites, or bugs that look like roaches but are not, contact a pest control Shawnee KS specialist. Different insects require different solutions, and misidentifying the pest often leads to failed DIY attempts.

Prevention Tips for Shawnee Homeowners

✔ Seal cracks around doors, windows, and foundations
✔ Store food in airtight containers
✔ Fix leaks and eliminate moisture
✔ Use dehumidifiers in basements
✔ Reduce clutter
✔ Schedule regular pest inspections

Conclusion

Many bugs resemble cockroaches, but understanding the differences helps homeowners avoid unnecessary worry and select the appropriate treatment. Whether it’s beetles, crickets, termites, or other roach look-alikes, proper identification is the key to effective pest management.

If you need help identifying insects or suspect an infestation, our pest control technicians are here to help. We also assist nearby areas with expert inspections and eco-friendly treatments.

Real Example:

A Shawnee homeowner recently shared a story about our technician, Luke Iliff:

“Luke came out today and set the first barrier of bug protection inside and out of our house. This is the 3rd company we’ve tried, and so far I’m happy with the service. Hopefully the chemicals they use keep the bugs away. Previous companies have not met the challenge of these country wooded bugs. Luke was amazing.”
— Matt Rojohn

This is a perfect example of why accurate identification is crucial. Matt originally thought he had a cockroach issue. Still, after inspection, Luke discovered the problem was actually ground beetles entering from a wooded area behind the home, a classic case of bugs that look similar to cockroaches. Using a customized perimeter treatment, the issue was resolved quickly.

About Kansas City Pest Control

Kansas City Pest Control has served the metro area for 20 years with eco-friendly, pet-safe pest solutions. Our team specializes in treating:

• Cockroaches
• Ants
• Spiders
• Termites
• Mosquitoes
• Rodents
• Fleas & ticks
• Silverfish
• Wasps
  …and more.

We provide dependable, family-safe solutions using fewer chemicals than traditional treatments.

Think you’re seeing bugs that look like cockroaches?
Don’t guess, get professional confirmation.
Our pest control experts can identify any insect on the spot and recommend the right treatment.

Call now to schedule your inspection.