American Cockroach

Identification

American cockroaches are among the most common and largest pests that can infest homes and businesses and the second most common cockroach in Madison Wisconsin. Despite their name, they are not native to America, but were introduced from Africa and the Middle East centuries ago. They are easy to recognize by their size and color and can measure up to an inch-and-a-half or more in length, excluding the antennae. They have reddish-brown to dark brown bodies, with a yellow band or figure eight pattern on the back of their head. They have six legs, two long antennae, and an oval shape. Both males and females have wings and can fly short distances, but they prefer to run or glide.

Lifecycle

American cockroaches have three stages of development: egg, nymph, and adult. The lifecycle from egg to adult can take up to 600 days, depending on the temperature and humidity.

The lifecycle begins when a female cockroach produces an egg case called an ootheca, which contains about 15 embryos. She carries the ootheca on the tip of her abdomen for a few days, then deposits it in a hidden location. The ootheca sticks to the surface by the female’s saliva.

The nymphs emerge from the ootheca after six to eight weeks. They are grayish brown in color and look like miniature adults, except they lack wings. They molt 10 to 13 times as they grow, shedding their exoskeleton and becoming darker in color. Each molt takes about a week.

The adults emerge after the final molt. They have fully developed wings and reproductive organs. They can live up to a year under favorable conditions.

Habitat

American cockroaches can live in various habitats, but they prefer warm and moist environments. They are often found in sewers, drains, basements, crawl spaces, garbage dumps, and other places where they can find food, water, and shelter.

American cockroaches can also invade homes and businesses, especially in areas where food is stored or prepared and can invade through cracks and crevices in the area. They can also hitchhike on bags, boxes, or furniture. They are nocturnal and hide during the day in dark and secluded places, such as behind appliances, under sinks, in cabinets, or in wall voids.

Behavior

American cockroaches are omnivorous and scavengers. They feed on a variety of organic matter, such as decaying plants and animals and food like cheese, bread and sweets. They can survive for up to a month without food, but only a week without water.

American cockroaches are social insects that communicate with each other using pheromones (chemical signals). They form aggregations and cooperate in finding food and shelter. They also have a hierarchy within their group, with dominant individuals having access to better resources.

American cockroaches are also adaptable and resilient. They can withstand high temperatures and radiation levels. They can also survive without their head for up to a week, as they breathe through spiracles (small holes) on their body segments. 

Fun Facts

• American cockroaches can run up to three miles per hour.
• American cockroaches can produce sound by rubbing their legs or wings together. They use sound to attract mates or warn others of danger.
• American cockroaches can produce a foul-smelling substance from their mouth or glands on their abdomen. They use this substance to mark their territory or deter predators.
• American cockroaches can regrow lost limbs or antennae during their molting process. They can also regenerate damaged tissues or organs.
• American cockroaches have been used in scientific research and medicine. For example, they have been used to study the effects of microgravity on the nervous system and to produce antibiotics from their hemolymph (blood).

The American cockroach is incredibly resilient and is best handled by a professional. At Kwik Kill Pest Control, we have highly trained technicians who are experienced in handling cockroach infestations. Call the Experts Today for an honest quote and evaluation to meet your specific needs!

Kwik Kill Services to control American Cockroaches

• One-Time Pest Control Services
• Cockroach Extermination

Additional Information:

https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/roaches/american_cockroach.htm
https://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/insects/american-cockroach/
https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/digital-diagnostics/insects-and-arthropods/american-cockroach-periplaneta-americana/