American cockroaches, sometimes called palmetto bugs or water bugs, are not native to North America, but they are widespread. American roaches prefer to live indoors, and an infestation can quickly grow out of hand.

American cockroaches spread dozens of diseases and they can contaminate food or trigger asthma and allergies. Because American roaches spend time eating decaying matter and sewage, they can transfer bacteria onto your counter tops and food. They are suspected or known carriers of bacteria that causes diarrhea, plague, typhoid fever, and viral conditions.

Appearance

American cockroaches are much larger than their German counterparts; adults can easily reach two inches long. Adult American roaches are a reddish-brown color with a yellow band behind their head. American roach nymphs are about 1/4″ long and a grayish-brown color.

Behavior

American cockroaches prefer warmer outdoor temperatures, and they will move inside when the temperature dips below 80 degrees. They can enter through voids around utility pipes, sewer connections, beneath doors, and air ducts. They are often found near plumbing, clothing hampers, bathtubs, laundry rooms, and basements. Unlike German roaches, American cockroaches tend to spend time in open areas instead of hiding in crevices. American roaches can and do fly when the weather is warm.

American roaches prefer to eat decaying organic matter like fungi and wood particles, but they will eat almost anything, particularly sweets, book bindings, and wallpaper.

Reproduction

Female cockroaches can produce eggs over their entire life after a single mating using stored sperm. The average female American roach produces 6-14 egg capsules over a one-year lifespan. Female American roaches are capable of producing egg capsules with up to 16 eggs each that hatch nymphs after about 50 days. These egg sacs are usually deposited in damp, safe areas. Nymphs will shed a dozen times and reach adulthood in 5-6 months. Female American roaches live for 90-706 days while male roaches can live up to one

year.

Signs of an Infestation

• Seeing a roach. American cockroaches are often visible running quickly across floors into dark areas. They may fly if startled.
• You may find tiny droppings in the basement or pantry. Sometimes these droppings are mistaken for those of a mice, but American roach droppings are blunt on the ends with ridges.
• Egg capsules. You may find empty egg capsules, which are around 38mm long and a reddish or blackish color.
• A large number of American cockroaches can produce a noticeable musty aroma.

Do you suspect an American roach infestation? Contact Pest Defense Solutions right away at (915) 591-BUGS. Our pest control El Paso technicians will help you reduce roach populations and develop a plan to get rid of the infestation for good. Treatment may include granular baits, insecticides, and growth regulators and some other tricks that we have up our sleeves.

Call Pest Defense Solutions El Paso today and get rid of your roach problem tomorrow.