Seeing a roach the size of your thumb crawling out of your bathroom drain and walking over your kitchen countertops and sink is gross and scary. Moreover, these roaches live in dirt and carry pathogens and disease-causing bacteria that can make you sick.
For this reason, cockroach identification is crucial. While most roach species have similar features, various things differentiate them. Unfortunately, it can be hard to identify the American roach if you don’t know what to look for.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana). Keep reading to learn more about the American cockroach’s identification, origin, habitat, behavior, diet, lifecycle, and distribution. You will also learn how to prevent and eliminate an American cockroach infestation.
American Cockroach Identification
The American cockroach is the largest roach species in the US. This cockroach measures one and a half inches long but can grow up to 2 inches long. It varies in complexion and is usually reddish brown with a distinct yellow figure-eight pattern behind its head.
The American cockroach can be identified by its two long antennae, reddish-brown wings, and six spiky legs. Both male and female American cockroaches can fly short distances.
American cockroach nymphs are usually smaller and don’t have wings. In addition, they are similar in complexion to adult American roaches and can sometimes be confused for larvae of the Oriental roach.
Origin
Most people think the American roach is native to America due to its name. However, this species isn’t from the U.S. Instead, it is native to Africa and the Middle East and was introduced later to the United States.
Research indicates that the American roaches found their way into the United States aboard the slave trade ships around 1625. These roaches spread across the U.S. and are ranked the second most prevalent roach species after the German cockroach.
Habitat and Distribution
American cockroaches, also known as palmetto bugs, sewer roaches, tree roaches, or water bugs (see water bug vs cockroach), can live anywhere. They are among the most resilient pests, and while they thrive well in moist and warm areas, they can survive in almost every environment by seeking favorable temperatures inside homes.
The American cockroach can invade large and commercial buildings like hotels, grocery stores, bakeries, and anywhere with abundant food and water supply. While these roaches rarely move indoors, they can be seen inside homes after heavy rain. They multiply in large numbers and can be found in single manholes in the thousands.
Outside, American cockroaches prefer damp shady areas like wood piles, hollow trees, and under mulch. Occasionally, they can also be found under shingles and in attics.
Behavior
American cockroaches are nocturnal. You can see them running fast at night if you shine a bright light on them. These cockroaches can sense vibrations like foot-stomping, banging doors, clapping, and other sudden sounds and run to safety.
The American Cockroach’s Diet
American cockroaches eat a wide range of food but love fermenting materials and decaying organic matter. Outside, they feed on rotting leaves, algae, fungi, and tiny insects.
However, when they invade homes, these roaches feed on food crumbs found under kitchen appliances like stoves, coffee makers, fridges, and kitchen cabinets and floors. They can also eat pet food if left uncovered. Additionally, these roaches can eat book bindings, cloth, paper, soap, leather, and glue in case of a severe infestation.
Read More: How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in the Kitchen
Life Cycle
After mating, female cockroaches can produce as many as sixteen eggs. But, surprisingly, she can still produce ootheca without the male by using saved sperm. Under normal circumstances, the female can produce at least one egg case every seven days. However, in some cases, the female can produce up to two egg capsules in one week.
After producing the ootheca, the female will find a safe spot and glue the egg sac. These sacs can be found among the debris, corners, and other secluded areas of your home.
Additionally, the female roach can produce at least 21 egg sacs in her life, equivalent to 300 nymphs or baby roaches.
After the incubation period, 24 to 38 days, the nymphs will emerge from the ootheca. They will resemble tiny versions of the adults but don’t have wings. Finally, they will undergo thirteen molts to develop into adults. It is vital to note that the American cockroach nymph can regenerate limbs while the adult cannot.
The lifecycle of the American cockroach from egg to adult is about 600 days. After adulthood, adult American cockroaches can live up to 400 days. Note that the life cycle and cockroach population duration are subject to the availability of food, water, and environmental conditions.
How Do American Roaches Enter Homes?
American roaches enter homes primarily through basement windows, crawl spaces, gaps from utility pipes, and garages. Once inside your home, these roaches will head to your kitchen, basement, bathroom, and laundry room, searching for food and water.
What Attracts American Cockroaches?
Garbage, moisture, clutter, heat, and darkness are just a few things that attract American cockroaches.
Like other roach species, the American cockroach is omnivorous and is attracted to the smell of food. Apart from that, these pests can be attracted to your home by pheromones produced by other roaches. When cockroaches eat, reproduce, or defecate, they release some odorous chemicals that disgust humans but attract other roaches.
Read More: How Do You Get Rid of the Cockroach Smell?
Signs of an American Cockroach Infestation
There are several ways to tell if you have an American cockroach invasion. The following are some telltale signs of an infestation.
Droppings: The American cockroach produces droppings in dark or dimly lit areas where they usually live and hide. These droppings can sometimes be mistaken for mouse droppings due to their similarity in size.
Shed exoskeleton: All roach species shed their exoskeletons during their developmental stages. So, you will see shed skin in your home if there is an infestation.
Egg capsules: The female American roach produces eggs in an egg capsule. This capsule is bigger than other roach species’ as it measures about 5/16 inches long and looks like a tiny purse or pill.
Unpleasant odor: Cockroaches tend to emit odorous chemicals called pheromones. The roaches use these pheromones to communicate with one another during their quest for food, water, and shelter. Therefore, if there is an infestation, your home will have an unpleasant musty or oily smell.
Live cockroaches: American roaches are known for their speed and are nocturnal. So, if you spot a cockroach scurrying fast, you have an infestation.
Dangers of an Infestation
An infestation can pose various health risks to your loved ones. While American cockroaches do not usually bite, they can harm you in other ways.
Read More: How Dangerous Are Roaches?
They Carry Bacteria
American roaches live in filthy areas and carry many bacteria, including salmonella, which causes salmonellosis or food poisoning. These roaches contaminate food and cause symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach aches. Apart from pathogens, cockroaches can spread six parasitic worms and seven human pathogens. All these they pick from the filthy areas they inhabit with their spiky legs and bodies.
They Trigger Allergies
According to researchers at the National Pest Management Association, roach droppings, shed skin, and saliva can trigger asthma attacks and other allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Asthma attacks happen when the allergens become airborne or when you sleep on beddings with cockroach allergens.
Other signs of cockroach allergy include:
- Cough
- Stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy skin
- Itchy, red, and watery eyes
- Itchy mouth, nose, or throat
People with asthma may also experience the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Wheezing
- Trouble sleeping
Facts About the American Cockroach
You already know that the American cockroach isn’t native to America, carries bacteria, spreads diseases, and triggers asthma. However, there are various things you probably don’t know about these pests. For example:
- The American cockroach can survive without its head for at least seven days
- The adult American cockroach cannot climb all surfaces
- They are fast runners
- They can hold their breath underwater for up to 30 minutes, but cockroaches can’t really swim
How to Prevent American Cockroaches From Entering Your Home
American cockroach control is usually tricky, just like other kinds of roaches. American roaches are prolific breeders makes their control even harder. However, you can control cockroach populations by implementing the following strategies.
Reduce Humidity
American cockroaches are attracted to moisture-prone areas because they need water to thrive. Therefore, if you have leaky pipes, they will invade your space. Fix all the leaking water pipes and address any moisture problems in your home.
Maintain a Clean House
When keeping American cockroaches away, proper sanitation is vital. So, make sure you vacuum food crumbs and roaches. Target cracks and crevices to eliminate any cockroaches or food crumbs attracting roaches.
Seal Entry Points
Seal all possible entry points around windows, cracks, and crevices in the foundation, under doors, and in areas where pipes enter your home.
Apply an Insecticidal Barrier
You will need to apply an insecticidal barrier to keep roaches away from your home. However, for a safe and effective application, you will need to seek the help of a professional pest control company.
How to Get Rid of American Roaches in Your Home
There are many ways to get rid of American cockroaches. For example, you can use:
- Baking soda and sugar
- Boric acid or borax roach bait
- Gel bait
- Roach traps
- Diatomaceous earth
- Pyrethrum-based insecticides and roach killers
However, the best and fastest means is to get the help of a pest control expert. Pest control professionals know all the types of roaches and can quickly identify the ones you are dealing with.
Moreover, they can safely and quickly eliminate an American cockroach infestation without endangering your pets, kids, or household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do American Roaches Invade Homes?
Yes, American roaches invade homes while foraging for food, water, and sometimes shelter.
Are American Cockroaches Dangerous?
Yes, American cockroaches are dangerous. They pose a significant health risk, carrying bacteria, parasitic worms, and pathogens.
