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American Cockroach

The American cockroach is the largest cockroach found in houses. Despite its name, the American cockroach is not native to North America, but was likely introduced via ships from Africa in the 1600s. Females can hatch up to 150 offspring per year. Cockroaches don’t get their wings until the become adults.

Appearance

  • Size: 2
  • Shape:  Oval
  • Color:  Reddish-brown,with a yellowish figure
    8 pattern on the back of the head
  • Legs:  6
  • Wings:  Yes
  • Antenna:  Yes

Appearance

  • Common Name:  American cockroach
  • Kingdom:  Animalia
  • Phylum:  Arthropoda
  • Class:  Insecta
  • Order:  Dictyoptera
  • Family:  Blattidae
  • Species:  Periplaneta americana

Diet

American cockroaches will eat just about anything, including plants and other insects.

Habitat

American cockroaches prefer to live in warm, dark, wet areas, like sewers and basements.
They often enter structures through drains and pipes.
Although American cockroaches can be found in homes, they are also common in larger commercial buildings, such as restaurants, grocery stores and hospitals.

Impact

Cockroaches crawl through dirty areas and then walk around our homes tracking in lots of bacteria and germs. They can contaminate food by shedding their skins. Their cast off skin and waste byproducts are allergens that can trigger allergic reactions, asthma and other illnesses, especially in children.

Prevention

Keep cooking, eating and food storage areas clean and dry. If you see cockroaches, it is best to call a pest management professional due to the illnesses they can spread.