American Cockroaches

American cockroaches are among the largest and hardiest insects in the United States. Also known as the Bombay canary or palmetto bug, these pests can be found in a multitude of places. They are dangerous to have around due to how difficult they are to kill and their tendency to carry and spread disease. Here’s what you need to know about American cockroaches.

How to Identify American Cockroaches

American cockroaches are typically reddish-brown in color, with a yellow band shape on the backs of their heads. They have long antennae and wings and can fly in short bursts. Adults are usually about 1 ¼-2 ⅛ inches long.

Reproduction

Like any cockroach, American cockroaches lay eggs to reproduce. The female will lay about 16 eggs at a time and put them into a dark-colored protective capsule that it will then deposit in a warm, humid area. When the eggs hatch, cockroach nymphs will immediately begin searching for food, and will shed their exoskeletons multiple times as they grow. Given good growing conditions and good access to food, American cockroaches can reach maturity in under 6 months.

Behavior and Diet

American cockroaches do not originate from America, contrary to their name. Some think that they originate from the African continent and were introduced to America by trade ships in the 17th century. These cockroaches tend to live mainly outside, and prefer warm, humid environments. In the northern part of the country, they like to live in drains and sewers, while in the southern parts, they live in mulch, leaves, flowerbeds and yard refuse piles. However, they are known to enter homes through gaps in walls and open windows, doors and other entryways. A change in climate or access to food may cause them to seek shelter indoors.

They are also known to infest large commercial buildings like restaurants, hospitals and hotels, living in basements, steam tunnels, laundry rooms, storage rooms, kitchens and other low-to-the ground places where they can find good living conditions. Whether in a home or a business, cockroaches will usually be found near a water source, and are often seen in bathrooms and cleaning areas.

Like other cockroaches, American cockroaches aren’t that picky about what they eat. However, they do show a fondness for decaying or fermenting matter. They will eat leaves, fungi, small insects, food crumbs, pet food and much more. In keeping with their resilient nature, however, they can live up to a week without a head.

Signs of American Cockroach Infestation

One of the most common experiences of finding an American cockroach infestation is turning on a light and seeing them scurry into dark corners. They will also leave fecal matter lying around, which looks similar to rodent feces (blunt on the ends and ridged on the sides). Cockroaches also give off a musty-smelling pheromone when they are gathered together, so someone with a keen sense of smell may be able to detect them. Lastly, finding their egg capsules may also indicate an infestation.

How Did I Get American Cockroaches?

American cockroaches tend to sneak into homes. They may find their way in through drains, cracks in walls, power sockets and holes in door and window screens, particularly in garages or basements. Once they enter, they will immediately begin looking for food and water, usually in kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms and basements.

How Serious Are American Cockroaches?

American cockroaches are inherently unsanitary pests. They are known to carry at least 33 different kinds of bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella, six types of parasitic worms and least seven other types of pathogens that are hazardous to human health. As they move through waste matter trying to find food, they pick up these germs on their legs and bodies and can transfer them to surfaces that humans touch and use. Also, their waste and saliva can trigger asthma and allergic reactions, particularly in children.