American Cockroach Identification

What are American cockroaches? 

American cockroaches are among the several speciesof cockroaches that have made themselves at home close to or inside our Florida homes and businesses. These large cockroaches are adept scavengers with high moisture needs and whose wings enable them to fly short distances. 

The American cockroach is one of the largest cockroaches to make their way into structures throughout Florida and the rest of the country. These roaches are not only identified by their large size but by their shiny, reddish-brown color and the figure-eight-like marking that is yellowish and located behind their head. 

Are American cockroaches dangerous?

American cockroaches are dangerous pests, and keeping them out of your home is essential to your family’s health. Hanging out in less than sanitary areas like sewers, garbage piles, drains, and bathrooms mean that American cockroaches come into contact with and carry diseases and bacteria that make people ill. They are known to transmit salmonella and other bacteria that cause gastrointestinal issues. 

As cockroaches feed and breed, they will leave behind piles of shed skins and excrement, both things that produce allergens that can trigger asthma attacks and allergy symptoms. 

Why do I have an American cockroach problem?

Thriving in environments where there is food to scavenge, American cockroaches can find their way into any of our Florida homes. No matter how clean we keep our homes, crumbs always seem to find their way under rugs, appliances, and counters. These roaches also have high moisture needs, and things like leaky pipes, poor ventilation, and dripping air conditioners will also attract these pests. 

American cockroaches generally move into our homes in one of two ways.

• They can move inside on their own while trying to escape the heat or searching for food or water.

• Common entry points include cracks in the foundation, drains, spaces around utilities, and gaps around windows and doors.

• We can also accidentally bring them indoors inside of boxes, potted plants, or other items once stored outside.

Where will I find American cockroaches?

Florida’s warm weather is what enables these heat-loving pests to thrive. In Florida, American cockroaches can survive both outside and inside our homes and businesses. Outside, these large roaches are often seen on the bark of trees, crawling over animal excrement, and near drains, sewers, and trash receptacles.

Inside our structures, American cockroaches hang out in warm and humid areas like crawl spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms. Some of their favorite hiding spots include inside cardboard boxes, under sinks, in the back of drawers, and behind baseboards, cabinets, or wood trim. 

How do I get rid of American cockroaches?

Nobody wants to share their home with large, flying cockroaches! To get rid of the current problem you are experiencing with American cockroaches, reach out to the experts at Empire Pest Defense. We will protect your home or business from American cockroaches and other pests through detailed inspections, high-quality interior and exterior treatments, and ongoing services.

Empire Pest Defense is a local company with a deep commitment to our community, and we provide our customers with personalized, top-notch services to eliminate pests. All of our highly trained technicians are licensed, insured, and dedicated to meeting the unique pest control needs of West Palm Beach home and business owners. Reach out today and learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services and how to eliminate American cockroaches from your property once and for all!

How can I prevent American cockroaches in the future?

Avoid problems with American cockroaches with the help of the professionals at Empire Pest Defense, our effective pest control solutions, and our practical prevention tips:

• Vacuum your floors daily to pick up tasty crumbs that American cockroaches won’t hesitate to take advantage of.

• Store bird food and pet food in containers with airtight lids.

• Keep lids on indoor trash cans and empty them frequently into outside trash cans with tight lids.

• American cockroaches have high moisture needs. Quickly repair leaking pipes, clogged gutters, and dripping air conditioners that can provide these pests with the water they are looking for.

• Seal spaces that develop around windows and doors with weatherstripping.

• Repair any cracks in your walls or foundation.