The American cockroach is the largest of the house-infesting roaches and a major pest in the United States. It’s also commonly known as the water bug, the Bombay canary or the palmetto bug. Despite its name, the American cockroach is not native to North America. Some evidence suggested that American cockroaches were introduced via ships from Africa in the early 1600s. If you have unwanted cockroaches in your home, Ready Pest Control is here to help. Our team of experienced exterminators knows exactly how these bugs operate and are specially trained in the safest and most efficient roach control methods. Call today to schedule an appointment.
Adult American cockroaches average between 1.4” to 1.6” (35-41mm) in length, but they can grow to exceed 2”. American cockroaches are reddish brown in color with a yellow band that outlines the area behind their head. Both males and females have wings and can fly short distances.
American cockroaches have the ability to bite, but they rarely do. If a bite occurs, it should not be problematic unless it gets infected. Although cockroaches do not attack humans, they can be a nusiance in several other ways. As soon as you believe you may have a roach infestation on your hands, contact Ready Pest Control.
There are four telltale signs of an American cockroach infestation. First, you will see the fast-moving insects themselves usually fleeing to dark areas. Second, American cockroaches leave behind droppings in the dim areas in which they hide. These small droppings are blunt on the ends and have ridges on the sides. They are often mistaken for mouse droppings, so it is important to contact a licensed exterminator at Ready Pest Control for proper roach identification. Another sign of an American cockroach infestation is the presence of egg capsules, which are about 8 mm long and dark-colored. Egg capsules are sometimes glued to a surface near food sources, and can be found in basements, laundry rooms and kitchens, as well as behind appliances or underneath cabinets. Lastly, the American cockroach will produce a pheromone that some people describe as having a “musty” smell. People with sensitive noses may notice this odor around the house.
Cockroaches are some of the most resilient pests in the world. They exhibit unique survival tactics, including the ability to live for a week without their head. This makes controlling a roach infestation a difficult task for homeowners to do themselves.
You can take steps, however, to mitigate American cockroach problems through barrier exclusion and cleanliness. Barrier exclusion involves preventing cockroaches from entering the home through small cracks in walls, gaps near electric sockets and switch plates, and up through drains. Use a silicone-based caulk to seal these openings.
Having a clean and sanitary home will also make it less inviting to American cockroaches. Homeowners should keep counters, sinks, tables and floors free of clutter and crumbs. Do not leave dishes piles up in the sink or spills marinate on the counter. It is also good practice to store food in airtight containers, and avoid leaving pet food out in the open. Some other ways to prevent American cockroaches include vacuuming at least once a week to remove food particles, ventilating crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup and running water periodically in spare bathrooms to keep u-traps filled.
Reach out to Ready Pest Control today if you need assistance with removing cockroaches from your home or business. While cockroaches typically do not bite humans, they are still a large problem as they can get into your stored food items, leave eggs and droppings behind, and emit an unpleasant odor into your house. At Ready Pest Control, we understand how frustrating it can be to have unwanted bugs in your space. Our experienced and knowledgeable team wants to help you get rid of cockroaches for good. Call today to learn more about our roach control methods and services.
