American Cockroach
Category Cockroaches
Actual Size: 1 ½ to 2 inches in length.
Characteristics: Reddish-brown, oval-shaped, flattened body with a yellowish figure-eight pattern on the back of their head.
Legs: 6
Wings: Yes, adults have wings enabling them to fly.
Antennae: Yes
Habitat: Typically live outdoors but can also be found in sewers and drains in the Northern United States. In the Southern United States, they prefer shady gardens and yards.
Habits:
- Mostly active at night and prefer to stay hidden during the day.
- Largest cockroach species that commonly infest homes.
- Fast runners that can move quickly to escape predators or threats.
- Extremely adaptable and can thrive in a range of different environments.
American Cockroaches in Florida
The American cockroach sometimes called a water bug or palmetto bug, is the largest cockroach to infest homes, reaching lengths of up to 2 inches with fully developed reddish-brown wings. Despite its misleading name, it is not native to North America and likely arrived on ships from Africa. Highly adaptable to different environments, it can thrive in both urban and rural settings. It is now widespread throughout the United States, second in number only to the German cockroach. Adults can live for about a year, with each female producing an average of 150 offspring.
American Cockroach Habitat
In the wild, American cockroaches are typically found in bat caves and hollow trees. In urban environments, they frequently inhabit sewers, storm drains, prisons, factories, hospitals, and hotels. These cockroaches are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders, consuming decaying organic matter as well as a wide range of other materials. While they prefer sweets, they have been known to eat paper, pet food, soap, hair, fruit, book bindings, cardboard, cloth, and even dead insects. American cockroaches thrive in warm, damp conditions and are commonly found outdoors near drains, trash bins, trees, and woodpiles. Indoors, they tend to seek out damp areas like basements, garages, kitchens, and bathrooms.
American Cockroach Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
American cockroaches often inhabit unsanitary areas such as garbage dumps, sewage systems, and septic tanks, which brings them into close contact with human living spaces. Their presence can result in contamination of food and surfaces with feces, body parts, and a distinctive, unpleasant odor. Additionally, American cockroaches are known vectors of disease, as they can carry and spread germs and bacteria through their droppings and on their bodies. This can lead to foodborne illnesses and infections. For some individuals, especially those with allergies or asthma, these cockroaches can trigger severe allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Should you suspect an infestation, it’s best to contact a professional exterminator.
