American Cockroach

Category:

Actual Size: 2.1”

Characteristics: Brown to reddish brown; winged

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Habitat: Primarily live outdoors but can be found in sewers and drains across. Inside, they gravitate toward basements and kitchens.

Habits:

  • Abundant in commercial facilities and sewers
  • Move at rapid speeds and are capable of flight
  • Could carry disease-causing bacteria

American Cockroaches in Albuquerque NM

The American cockroach, surpassing 2 inches in size, stands as the largest common roach species in the U.S. Recognizable by their lengthy antennae, reddish-brown bodies, and surprising speed, they gravitate towards warm, dark, and damp spaces where they feast on food scraps and organic matter. Despite their name, these roaches likely arrived in the U.S. via cargo ships from other countries. Omnivorous and opportunistic, they devour decaying organic matter and display a scavenger’s palate, consuming a wide array of items, from sweets to paper, pet food to soap.

American Cockroach Environment

American cockroaches love warm, wet spots. Outside, you’ll find them near drains, trash cans, trees, and woodpiles. Once they sneak into homes, they prefer damp areas like basements, garages, kitchens, and bathrooms. In cities, like Albuquerque, they hang out in sewers, storm drains, prisons, factories, hospitals, and hotels. These roaches are pretty adaptable, making it tricky to keep them away, whether indoors or outdoors.

American Cockroach Habits and Threats

American cockroaches, often known for their large size, have habits that make them potential threats to homes and businesses. While they can bite, it’s a rare occurrence. However, they are considered dangerous pests because they tend to breed and feed in unsanitary areas close to humans, such as garbage storage, sewage systems, and septic tanks. Emitting a distinctive odor, they can contaminate human food and surfaces with their feces and body parts. Additionally, foraging cockroaches can act as vectors of disease, depositing germs in areas they inhabit and potentially causing asthma attacks in people sensitive to cockroach allergens. Prompt action, including contacting a local cockroach exterminator, is crucial when dealing with an American roach problem to mitigate these potential threats.

American Cockroach FAQs

Why do I have American roaches in my house?

American roaches are drawn to warm, dark, and damp areas, often entering homes in search of food. Leaky pipes, open drains, and entry points around doors and windows can provide access.

How can I get rid of American roaches?

To eliminate American roaches, focus on sanitation, sealing entry points, and using insecticides. Professional pest control services, like those offered by Suburban Exterminating, are crucial for effective and lasting eradication.

What is the American Cockroach lifecycle?

The American cockroach undergoes three life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The entire lifecycle takes around 6-12 months, with adults living up to a year. Understanding their lifecycle is key to implementing effective control measures.