American cockroaches are widespread pests capable of thriving in the most uncanny environments. Often going unnoticed, they crawl on and contaminate food at night while gradually causing allergies during the day.
Spotting a roach in the home is always a troubling experience. Contrary to popular belief, a living space does not have to be filthy to be suitable for roaches. Since they prefer dark and warm hiding spots near water, most homes are susceptible to an infestation.
These insects are nocturnal feeders, so if one is seen during the day there likely are more than just a few scurrying around. Identifying an American cockroach problem and understanding their behavior are the first steps towards effectively managing these pests.
WHAT DO AMERICAN COCKROACHES LOOK LIKE?
The American cockroach is the largest pest in the roach family, measuring about 1 ½ - 2 inches long. Their bodies are reddish-brown, and they are most identifiable by the dark brown or faded yellow edging on the backs of their heads.
Adult American cockroaches have two sets of wings, although they are rarely used for flight. The wings of males are slightly longer and extend beyond their bodies. Another notable feature is the pair of sensory organs, called cerci, at the tip of their abdomen. Male American cockroaches have longer cerci compared to females, and will also have an additional set of appendages, called styli, in between the pair of cerci. Noting the size of the cerci or the presence of styli is how pest management professionals distinguish between male and female American cockroaches.
Reproducing females may sometimes be seen with a leathery, purse-shaped egg capsule known as an ootheca. Unlike the German cockroach species, where females carry the ootheca until hatching, the female American cockroach deposits her ootheca near a food source and secures it with saliva. This egg case measures approximately 8 mm by 5 mm. It initially has a brown color, but darkens to black within a few days.
WHERE DO AMERICAN COCKROACHES LIVE?
These cockroaches predominantly favor warm, dark, and moist environments. They are commonly found in sewers and drains, thriving in the humid underground conditions. They are the most prevalent cockroach species in city sewer systems, and over 5,000 American cockroaches have been seen occupying a single manhole.
American cockroaches get indoors via cracks and crevices. They will typically infest large properties and commercial buildings such as restaurants, grocery stores, factories, or hospitals. Once they gain entry, they will either prioritize food, water, and shelter. They may nest near food storage and preparation areas, in crawl spaces, around bathroom fixtures, and in basements.
This type of pest is not exclusive to larger structures, however, and may infest apartments and residential homes as well. They can easily gain entry through gaps underneath doors and surrounding windows, and are sometimes carried in with human belongings. Once inside, their preference for dark and wet space takes over. While other species of cockroach might prefer the kitchen, the first choice for an American cockroach is usually somewhere more secluded.
WHAT DO AMERICAN COCKROACHES EAT?
Eliminating a food source for American cockroaches is quite difficult because they feed on many kinds of unconventional items. They show a particular fondness for fermenting material, feeding on rotting plants, algae, fungi, and smaller insects when outdoors.
Indoors, their preference translates to a fondness for beer, cheese, and spoiled fruit. They will take the opportunity to eat any crumbs found in drains, under appliances, or on kitchen countertops. Cockroaches will also eat pet food if it is uncovered, which brings a risk of food contamination to animals in the household.
Starch is another important food source for American cockroaches, and they receive this portion of nutrients by eating cardboard and adhesive materials such as book bindings, glue, and wallpaper paste.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY AMERICAN COCKROACHES
While American cockroaches aren't as destructive as wood-eating insects like termites, their presence should not be underestimated. These pests don't feed on wood directly, but they do consume the adhesives found in many building materials.
Cockroaches also pose a threat to various household items. They are not fussy eaters and will target drapes, books, wallpaper, letters, and even some clothing and furniture thanks to their omnivorous diet.
The potential for a large infestation is often the biggest concern for homeowners. A large number of indoor cockroaches, if not dealt with promptly, can infiltrate and disrupt appliances and insulation as they swarm between walls. Over time, their oils and excrement can lead to significant damage to furniture, drywall, and other materials. The oils also leave a faint smell that becomes more noticeable over time.
ARE AMERICAN COCKROACHES AGGRESSIVE?
Although they are the largest species of roach found in homes, American cockroaches are not aggressive towards humans. Their size might be intimidating, but their mouths are designed to chew on decaying organic matter rather than to bite. As pests, they much rather flee than contest an encounter with humans and will scurry away when exposed to light or sudden movements.
While American cockroaches do possess the ability to bite, it is an extremely rare occurrence. With particularly large infestations and a scarcity of food, the roaches may become desperate and start crawling on people to look for sustenance. Bites from these instances are usually a side effect of the pests foraging rather than an act of aggression.
Not only are bites from an American cockroach rare but they tend to not be a major medical concern. The bite might result in minor irritation, redness, or swelling. However, if the skin is broken there is a risk of infection. If a bite happens, clean the area thoroughly and monitor it for signs of infection. Then call a local exterminator to get rid of the infestation.
DO AMERICAN COCKROACHES CARRY DISEASE?
American Cockroaches are carriers of over 20 species of bacteria, viruses, worms, and fungi. One of the most common illnesses transferred by cockroaches is food poisoning. Salmonella, staphylococcus, and E. Coli are spread onto surface tops and food from the traveling insects. The cockroaches can contaminate these areas through their feces, saliva, or just by physical contact.
Their droppings, secretions, and shed skins can also cause allergies and asthma, particularly in children. Professional treatment solutions are the best way to alleviate health issues from cockroaches. In addition to eliminating the infestation, licensed exterminators are also equipped to sanitize the area and ensure no diseases are spread.
HOW TO DETECT AMERICAN COCKROACHES
Signs of an American cockroach infestation include:
• The presence of oily, dark stains or smears on walls and corners
• Discovering cockroach droppings, which look similar to coffee grounds
• Observing live cockroaches moving quickly on floors, walls, or ceilings
• A musty, faint odor that intensifies as the cockroach infestation grows
• Finding egg cases in hidden areas like cracks, or behind appliances
• Coming across shed exoskeletons, wings, and other remains of dead cockroaches
HOW TO PREVENT AMERICAN COCKROACHES
To help prevent American cockroach issues the following steps should be taken:
• Maintain cleanliness in all food-related areas of the building, ensuring the absence of crumbs, grease, or oils
• Install weather stripping under doors to prevent roaches from crawling through
• Eliminate still water by keeping areas dry and repairing any plumbing leaks
• Set up glue traps and bait stations to identify areas with high cockroach activity
• Securely cover garbage bins and dispose of trash frequently
• Tidy up behind appliances and reduce clutter that could provide hiding spots for cockroaches
• Use caulking to seal any holes or cracks that could serve as entryways for roaches
• Seek pest control services for help getting rid of cockroaches
HOW WE TREAT FOR AMERICAN COCKROACHES
Cockroaches are a top pest control issue and can prove virtually impossible for home and business owners to solve on their own. Ending an American cockroach infestation typically requires proper species identification, locating and destroying the nest, and applying specialized products.
As such, it is not advisable for property owners to attempt to eradicate a cockroach infestation without assistance from a professional pest control provider.
