S & W Pest Management Inc : Insect Guide

Pest Guide » Cockroaches » American Cockroach:

American Cockroaches
Periplaneta americana (L.)
Color: Reddish brown, with a yellow 'figure 8' pattern on the back of the head
Legs: Six
Shape: Oval
Size: 2"
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes

The American Cockroach is the larges species of common cockroaches. They are also called flying cockroaches and water bugs. When disturbed, may run rapidly and adults may fly. Immature cockroaches resemble adults except that they are wingless.

American cockroaches generally live in moist areas, but can survive in dry areas if water is available. They prefer warmer temperatures around 70º. In residential areas, these cockroaches live in basements and sewers, and may move outside into yards during warm weather. These cockroaches are common in basements, crawl spaces, cracks and crevices of porches, foundations, and walkways adjacent to buildings. They feed on a wide variety of plant and animal material.

It is important to note that while they do not cause structural damage to a home, they are dangerous because they have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms, and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens.

Recent medical studies have shown that cockroach allergens cause lots of allergic reactions in inner city children. They were even shown to cause asthma in children. These allergens build up in deposits of droppings, secretions, cast skins, and dead bodies of roaches.

Prevention:
Due to the large size and slow development of American cockroaches, large infestations of these insects are not common in homes. However, during certain times of the year, these cockroaches may move inside to escape the cold or to find food.

Store fire wood away from your home and remove piles of lumber or other decaying wood that could serve as a nesting site.
Use 20-mesh screen on all windows and doors, and especially at ventilation openings for attics and crawl spaces.
Seal exterior doors with weather stripping and fill gaps in walls and floors where pipes enter using steel wool or caulking compounds.
Eliminate sources of moisture such as leaky faucets, plumbing, and free-standing water. Also, make sure that your sprinkler system does not spray directly onto the foundation of your home or business.
Secure garbage in trash cans.

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