American Cockroach Identification & Prevention

American roaches are a type of insect and are the largest species of household-invading roaches living in the United States. Adults can grow to more than two inches in length. These roaches are a mahogany color, and the area behind their head has a yellow band around it, which looks similar to a figure-eight pattern. These roaches have fully developed wings and are capable of flying. They are often referred to as “water bugs” because of their preference for moist environments. American roaches live a reasonably long life—usually more than a year!

American cockroaches living near people are dangerous pests. They are prolific breeders, and a single female can produce 200-350 offspring in her lifetime, meaning that the introduction of just a few onto your property can create a large-scale infestation in a short time.

American roaches and their excrement trigger allergies and asthma attacks. They also contaminate food, utensils, dishes, and surfaces with their excrement, bacteria, human pathogens, and parasites—all of which can cause people to become very ill. Before getting into your home, they were traveling through unsanitary environments, including garbage piles, drains, and sewers. Their presence inside your home will also cause damage to personal items like clothing, upholstered furniture, papers, and more.

American cockroaches are omnivores, and their diet usually consists of decaying plant and animal matter, although they will eat anything they come across, including non-food items like paper, fabrics, and glue. Properties with plenty of places to forage for food are a big attractant to American roaches.

American roaches have high moisture needs, and if the weather outside becomes too hot and dry, they look to move indoors, seeking a damp, dark environment. They also get in accidentally inside boxes, packages, grocery bags, and potted plants.

American cockroaches live outside in warm moist areas like under mulch, hollow trees, flower beds, logs, landscaping ties, and woodpiles—places that are often close to homes and other buildings. If these roaches decide to move indoors, common entry points include cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, spaces around air-conditioners, or through drains. They usually inhabit the first floor or basement levels of buildings and live around sinks, bathtubs, and near furnaces or hot water pipes.

American cockroaches are also a regular sight in restaurants, food processing facilities, hospitals, and schools.

Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate American roaches and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

Pests are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with American roaches with the help of the following prevention tips.

• Keep American roaches out by sealing cracks and crevices in the foundation and placing weatherstripping around windows and doors.
• Store your garbage cans, compost, and woodpiles away from the outside walls of your home.
• Remove fallen trees, leaf piles, and other debris from your yard.
• Keep locking lids on garbage cans and compost bins.
• Dry out basements and reduce the humidity levels in your home by running a dehumidifier.
• Cover drain openings with a mesh screen.
• Pick up uneaten pet food each evening.
• Store any food in the refrigerator or containers with air-tight lids.
• Keep storage areas free of clutter and well-organized.
• Inspect bags, packages, and potted plants for roaches before bringing them inside.