What You Need to Know About American Cockroaches

Key Takeaways

• American roaches are the largest species in the country, growing to about two inches in length.
• They’re reddish-brown with a yellowish figure-8 marking on the back of their head.
• These roaches produce dark-colored eggs called oothecae. 
• American cockroaches usually live outside, but will come into your home for food and shelter.
• It’s dangerous to have these roaches around since they can spread disease and cause allergic reactions.
• You can keep them out with some preventative measures and the help of a cockroach exterminator, like Schendel Pest Services.

There are thousands of species of cockroaches that live all over the world. And throughout the Midwest, there are two common species of cockroach that people come into contact with most often: the American cockroach and the German cockroach. 

Differences From the German Cockroach

The American cockroach is best known for being the largest house-invading cockroach, while the German roach is known as the most common species. These roaches are so big because they’ve evolved over millions of years, adapting to their environment.

Another difference between the two species is that German cockroaches are more often found living inside homes and other buildings, while the American cockroach is more often found living outside on trees, under mulch, in garden areas, or in heavily landscaped areas. These roaches mainly live outside, but won’t hesitate to move indoors for some easy shelter and food.

What Does an American Cockroach Look Like?

• Size: These roaches are typically identified by their large size. Adults can grow more than two inches in length.
• Color and Markings: They have a reddish-brown body with a unique yellowish-colored figure-8-like marking on the back of their head, which makes them easy to differentiate from other species.
• Wings: Both males and females have fully developed wings, though they rarely fly long distances. They’re more likely to glide from higher surfaces to lower ones.

What Do Their Eggs Look Like?

American cockroaches produce dark brown, purse-shaped egg cases called oothecae. Each egg is approximately 8mm long and contains around 14-16 eggs. 

These egg cases are often deposited in hidden, protected areas near food sources and moisture. The female may glue a case to surfaces or hide it in cracks and crevices.

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Where Do American Cockroaches Live?

You’ll typically find them in:

• Trees and tree holes
• Under mulch and leaf litter
• Garden areas and flower beds
• Heavily landscaped areas
• Sewers and storm drains
• Dumpsters and garbage areas

While American cockroaches prefer to live outside, they do often find their way inside homes when the warmer summer temperatures cause them to become more active. They may also move inside to escape the summer heat or seek water during dry spells.

How Long Do American Cockroaches Live?

From egg to death, an American roach can live for about two to three years under optimal conditions. This long lifespan means that even a small infestation can quickly become a serious problem if left untreated.

Health Risks Associated With American Cockroaches

Before entering a home, these roaches travel through and live in some very dirty, unhygienic places, including sewers, garbage piles, and drains. They will pick up many different bacteria, parasites, and human pathogens on their bodies and legs.

American roaches will leave behind trails of excrement and shed skins, both of which can trigger allergic reactions in people and are known for causing asthma attacks.

American cockroaches are known to spread:

• Salmonella
• E. coli
• Staphylococcus
• Streptococcus
• Parasitic worms

How to Keep American Cockroaches Out

Here are some practical prevention tips from Schendel Pest Services:

• Seal entry points. 
• Install door sweeps. 
• Fix moisture problems.
• Maintain your yard.
• Store food properly.
• Clean regularly.
• Manage your garbage.
• Cover drains.
• Call roach exterminators.

Your American Roach Experts

Like other roach species, American cockroaches are very resilient and are notoriously difficult to eradicate. But they are no match for the cockroach control experts at Schendel Pest Services. 

Our experts will provide a thorough inspection of your home and property and provide the services needed to completely eliminate all of the roaches from your home. They will also provide the follow-up services needed to prevent a re-infestation. 

Call us today to learn more about protecting your home, property, and family from American cockroaches this summer by partnering with Schendel Pest Services!