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American cockroach against a white background - Keep cockroaches out of your home with City Termite & Pest Control in Malvern, AR

American Cockroach

Actual Size: 2.1”

Characteristics: Brown to reddish-brown; winged.

Legs: 6

Wings: Yes, adults have wings and can fly.

Antennae: Yes

Habitat: Primarily live outdoors but can be found in sewers and drains across the Northern United States. In the Southern United States, they are found in shady garden areas and yards.

Habits:

  • Both sexes are capable of flight.
  • Largest of the house-infesting cockroaches.
  • Attracted to alcoholic beverages, especially beer.


American Cockroaches in Central Arkansas

The American cockroach is known by many names—water bug or palmetto bug— as well as many unprintable expletives. Of all the home infesting cockroaches, it is the largest with lengths of around 2 ⅛ inches. While called the American cockroach, it was likely introduced to North America from the African continent. It can be found throughout the U.S. and is behind the German cockroach in being the most abundant. Adults have a lifespan of up to one year and the female adult can produce about 150 offspring in her lifetime.

American Cockroach Habitat

In nature, the American cockroach is found in hollow trees and bat caves. In the urban setting, the American cockroach will live in storm drainage systems, prisons, sewers, hospitals, factories, and hotels. The roach eats decaying organic matter but eats almost anything. It does prefer sweet-tasting food, but will also eat pet food, soap, paper, fruit, hair, book bindings, cloth, dead insects, and cardboard boxes. American cockroaches desire damp, warm environments and can be spotted outdoors around garbage bins, trees, drains, and woodpiles. Should the roaches find their way into a home, they will often live in damp areas like garages, bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

American Cockroach Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

American cockroaches can bite, although they rarely do. These cockroaches are considered dangerous pests because they breed and feed in unsanitary areas close to humans, such as septic tanks, sewage systems, and garbage storage. American cockroaches have a unique odor that can be identified when they are present. They can contaminate human food and surfaces with their body parts and feces, along with bringing bacteria and germs onto eating surfaces. Their presence is also known to cause asthma attacks for people who have cockroach allergies.

If you suspect an American cockroach infestation, contact a professional cockroach exterminator.