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.
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.
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.
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 prioritize food, water, and shelter.
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.
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, targeting drapes, books, wallpaper, letters, and even some clothing and furniture. A large infestation can lead to significant damage to furniture, drywall, and other materials over time.
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. They prefer to flee rather than confront humans.
While American cockroaches do possess the ability to bite, it is an extremely rare occurrence. With particularly large infestations and a scarcity of food, they may become desperate and start crawling on people. Bites are usually a side effect of the pests foraging rather than an act of aggression.
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 surfaces and food from these insects.
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.
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.
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