Cockroaches are everywhere, even if you have been under a rock all your life, chances are you have ran into a cockroach or two. American cockroaches top the list of common species of cockroaches found in the United States. The American cockroach is one of the most dominant species skittering around nearly every state in the country, including Pennsylvania. Considering that fact, we at Stewart Termite and Pest Control would like to expound on the American Cockroach.
American Cockroach Identification; What Do They Look Like?
The American cockroach is the largest species found in the United States. They can grow between 1 ½” and 2” in length. They have a distinct yellow band mark just behind their head and their bodies range in various shades of browns, reddish browns and mahogany. By adulthood, American cockroaches evolved wings, which they rarely use. Their flight patterns appear awkward and clumsy; generally they simply prefer to run. American cockroaches are one of the fastest insects around, as they have been clocked at 3 miles per hour, which is the human equivalent of running 210 miles per hour to give you some perspective. Their speed comes in handy when coming out at night and an unsuspecting homeowner flicks the lights on. American roaches will dart quickly out if sight, slipping through the tiniest of cracks to invade potential threats.
American Cockroach Infestation & Life Cycle
Once American cockroaches reach adulthood, they can live for about a year, assuming they survive long enough to expire due to age. Within that year, the females can reproduce approximately 150 hatchlings. Having three life cycles; egg, nymph, and adult, they can quickly multiply in numbers. After the eggs have been laid, they will hatch after 6-8 weeks, being a nymph; it will then take a 6-12 month period to grow into adulthood, depending on the environment and conditions. During the nymph stage they do not have wings; but as mentioned before, by adulthood, they will evolve.
Diet of the American Cockroach
The American cockroach’s diet, like most cockroaches being omnivorous, is not specific, as they will consume nearly anything. They do however, favor decaying organic matter such as meats, plants, pet food, beer, cheese, leather, cosmetics, paper products, glue, hair, soiled clothing, other insects, and are extremely partial to fermented fruit. American cockroaches need water but can live without it for a couple of weeks. American cockroaches will stick close to a water source and will often be found near sewers and drains; inside your home they are often foudn in bathrooms and kitchens.
Where Are American Cockroaches Found?
American cockroaches prefer the dark, warm, and damp places to call home. Being inclined to find a consistent water source, they may be lingering around your home along the foundation, under porches, in crawl spaces and in dark cracks and crevices. If they slink into your home, it is usually done in the cold months when they are looking for warmth. Being that they do prefer darkness, they are nocturnal and have a tendency to avoid the light.
American Cockroach Control
American cockroaches tend to pick up a lot of germs, bacteria, and viruses; most of which can be transferred onto surfaces by merely walking by. If you have an American cockroach infestation, contact Stewart Termite and Pest Control and let our experts clear them out.