American Cockroaches

Latin Name: Periplaneta americana

Months of Activity: June - September

American cockroaches generally live in moist areas, but can survive in dry areas if they have access to water. They prefer warm temperatures around 29 °C and do not tolerate cold temperatures. In residential areas, these cockroaches live in cellars and sewers.

A scavenging pest, american cockroaches feed on decaying organic matter and a variety of other foods. It is particularly fond of fermenting foods. They can travel quickly, often darting out of sight when someone enters a room, and can fit into small cracks and under doors despite its fairly large size. It is considered one of the fastest running insects.

Appearance

American cockroach adults grow to an average length of around 28mm - 44mm and are about 7mm tall. They are shiny reddish brown and have a yellowish margin on the body region behind the head. Immature cockroaches resemble adults except that they are wingless. Their wings are longer than the body in male, but only just overlap the abdomen in the female.

Lifecycle

Females produce an egg case called an ootheca which protrudes from the tip of the abdomen. Between 6-20 eggs are contained inside the ootheca. After about two days being carried by the female, the egg cases are placed on a surface in a safe location. Egg cases are about 0.9cm long, brown, and purse shaped.

Immature cockroaches emerge from the egg case in 6 to 8 weeks and require 6 to 12 months to mature. Adult cockroaches can live up to one year, during which females produce an average of 150 young.

Pest Control

Due to their large size and slow development, large infestations of these insects are not common within houses. However, during certain times of the year, these cockroaches may move inside a house from outside. In cold weather these cockroaches may move indoors, seeking warmer temperatures and food.

Cockroaches may enter houses through sewer connections, under doors, around plumbing, air ducts, or other openings in the foundation. Cockroach populations may be controlled through the use of insecticides in the form of powders and sprays, and can also be controlled with sticky traps.

Latest News about American Cockroaches

Processing Plants Targeted
Food processors are a growth market for pest control companies as they traditionally rely on staff to keep insects and rodents at bay, according to a new report. It shows that, in general, restaurants and other facilities operating kitchens are almo... [more]

Reducing Allergen Exposure
Most people don't recognise the serious impact allergies to cockroaches have on the British health-care system. When you ask a person what they think of cockroaches, their likely answer is a reflection of the places cockroaches live – they are ... [more]

Cockroaches and Asthma
Many studies have pointed to the fact that cockroaches are a leading trigger of allergies and asthma attacks. The pests' saliva, droppings and decomposing bodies contain allergen proteins known to trigger allergies and increase the severity of asthma... [more]

Health Hazards Posed By Cockroaches
Though they have long been a pest that causes one of the strongest reactions when discovered in a home or place of business, the health threats posed by cockroaches often don't factor into the disgust felt at encountering them. Dynamic Pest Control ... [more]

Cockroach Control
There are two species of cockroach which are common in the UK, namely the Oriental cockroach and the German cockroach. The main issues concerning cockroach infestations are the very serious food safety risks posed by these insects in food premises. ... [more]

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