Cockroach vs Beetle: How to Tell the Difference in Your Eastern Cape Home
If you’ve spotted a crawling insect in your home, your first thought is often: “Is that a cockroach?” But not every bug that looks like a cockroach actually is one — sometimes it’s just a harmless beetle.
At ASC Pest Control, we know how stressful it can be when you’re unsure what pest you’re dealing with. In this guide, we’ll show you how to tell the difference between cockroaches and beetles, why it matters, and what to do if you discover an infestation in your Eastern Cape home.
Physical Differences Between Cockroaches and Beetles
1. Body Shape
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Cockroaches: Flattened, oval bodies; long antennae; fast-moving. Cockroach Control
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Beetles: More rounded or dome-shaped; harder shells; move slower.
2. Wings
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Cockroaches: Some have wings but rarely fly; wings lay flat over their back.
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Beetles: Hard wing covers (elytra) that form a straight line down their back.
3. Colour
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Cockroaches: Usually brown or reddish-brown.
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Beetles: Wide range of colours (black, metallic, patterned).
4. Antennae
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Cockroaches: Long and whip-like, almost as long as their bodies.
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Beetles: Shorter and segmented.
Behaviour Differences
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Cockroaches: Nocturnal, hide in dark cracks, kitchens, bathrooms.
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Beetles: Often attracted to lights; some feed on stored food, while others are harmless.
Why the Confusion Matters
Thinking you have beetles when you actually have cockroaches can be costly. Cockroaches:
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Spread bacteria and trigger allergies
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Contaminate food
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Multiply quickly if not controlled
Beetles may be annoying, but most are not dangerous. Correct identification means you get the right treatment and peace of mind.
DIY vs Professional Identification
You might be able to tell the difference yourself, but infestations can be tricky. A quick photo and call to ASC Pest Control can confirm what you’re dealing with.
We regularly identify:
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German cockroaches (tiny, fast breeders common in Eastern Cape kitchens)
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Oriental cockroaches (dark, prefer damp areas)
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Wood-boring beetles (harmless outside, but damaging inside wooden furniture)
Professional Cockroach Control in Eastern Cape
If you discover it’s cockroaches, fast action is critical. ASC Pest Control offers:
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Safe, targeted treatments that eliminate infestations
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Preventative measures to stop re-infestation
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Pet- and child-safe methods for your home
We service homes and businesses across Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), East London, Uitenhage, and the wider Eastern Cape.
Call ASC Pest Control Today
Not sure if it’s a beetle or cockroach? Don’t take chances.
Contact ASC Pest Control for expert identification and fast, affordable pest control in the Eastern Cape.
041 004 0037 or make at booking