The American cockroach is one of the most common cockroaches in the world. They are also one of the largest, with some adults reaching up to 3 inches in length. If you have seen a cockroach in your home, chances are it was an American cockroach. In this expert guide, we will cover everything you need to know about American cockroaches, including how to identify them, what attracts them to your home, and how to get rid of them.
Just the Basic Facts
- The American cockroach is the largest cockroach species in the world, with adults reaching up to 3 inches in length.
- American cockroaches are reddish-brown in color and have a yellow band on their pronotum, the area behind their head.
- These cockroaches are native to Africa but have been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States, through international trade.
- American cockroaches are commonly found in warm, humid environments, such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.
What Do American Cockroaches Look Like?
American cockroaches are reddish-brown in color and have a yellow band around the edge of their body. They have long antennae and 6 legs. Adult American cockroaches can grow up to 3 inches in length.
Life Cycle
These pests are nocturnal and will spend the day in hidden dark spots and emerge to feed during the dark hours. Females will produce a dark reddish-brown egg case which contains about 15-20, they do not multiply as often as German roaches. She will carry them around for a couple of days and then deposit the egg case in a dark protected area. Nymph American cockroaches will pass through about 10-13 molts before they become an adult, and their life cycle is anywhere from 6 months to a little over a year.
What Attracts them to Your Home?
American cockroaches are attracted to moisture, food, and shelter. This means that they are often found in kitchens and bathrooms where there is easy access to water. They will also eat just about anything, so homes with cluttered kitchens are more likely to attract these pests. Lastly, American cockroaches like dark, tight spaces where they can hide from predators and humans. This means that they will often be found behind appliances, under sink cabinets, and in crawl spaces.
Recommend Read: How to Prevent American Cockroaches in Your Home
How Do You Get Rid Of Them?
The best way to get rid of American cockroaches is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. To do this, you should make sure that all cracks and openings around your home are sealed. Additionally, you should regularly clean your kitchen and keep food stored in tightly sealed containers. If you already have American cockroaches in your home, there are a number of traps and baits that can effectively get rid of them. Pest control professionals can also help get rid of these pests if DIY methods are not effective.
Recommended Read: How to Pest Proof Your Home
Conclusion:
American cockroaches are one of the most common—and largest—types of cockroaches in the world. If you have seen a cockroach in your home, chances are it was an American cockroach. In this expert guide, we covered everything you need to know about American cockroaches, including how to identify them, what attracts them to your home, and how to get rid of them. By following the tips in this guide, you can keep your home free of these pests year-round!
