There are several types such as the American cockroach of the periplaneta species, the smoky-brown cockroach of the p.fuliginosa species, and the Asian cockroach of the blattella asahinai species. They are small, light to dark brown, hardbodied insects. You will find them outdoors in ground covers, leaf litter, woodpiles and other similarly protected areas. They occasionally wander indoors. The only damage aside from unsightliness these roaches cause is the eating of decaying plant and animal materials.
Wood roaches live mainly outdoors where that are scavengers of decaying plant and animal materials.
They are most likely to wander indoors if areas inside are more hospitable than areas outside, such as in times of severe weather. They are also more likely to migrate indoors if areas around the house are suitable places for them to live and breed such as habitats like woodpiles, groundcovers, compost and similar debris. Roaches are best kept out of the house by keeping woodpiles, compost and similar habitats away from the home. Additionally, remove any vegetation that is dense or has turned to debris from areas around the home s foundation. It would also be wise to seal up any cracks and crevices where possible to prevent entry.