{"id":10524,"date":"2025-08-13T10:36:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T16:36:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/?page_id=10524"},"modified":"2025-11-12T10:34:39","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T17:34:39","slug":"american-cockroaches","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/pest-files\/cockroaches\/american-cockroaches\/","title":{"rendered":"American Cockroaches"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wrapper bg-colr-7 pest_facts is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wrap-innr pad-top-8 pad-btm-8 is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column pad-8 bg-colr-800-80 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pest-name-facts\">[pest name] Facts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Family:<\/strong> Blattidae<br><strong>Scientific Order:<\/strong> Blattodea<br><strong>Group Name:<\/strong> Intrusion&nbsp;<br><strong>Diet:<\/strong> Omnivorous, feeding on crumbs, food scraps, paper, and decaying organic matter<br><strong>Life Span:<\/strong> Around 1 to 2 years<br><strong>Color:<\/strong> Reddish-brown with a yellowish figure-8 pattern on the back of the head&nbsp;<br><strong>Size:<\/strong> 1\u00bd to 2 inches long&nbsp;<br><strong>Species:<\/strong> Periplaneta americana&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group max-width bg-colr-4 pad-top-3 pad-btm-3 is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group sm--row-gap-2 is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b02886af wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"mrgn-btm-0 h-6 has-fox-neutral-800-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d574c063229673d077e5424a0b73d9fa\">Have [pest name format=&#8221;lower&#8221; article=&#8221;true&#8221;] problem that needs fixing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button mrgn-btm-0\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#contact_form_main\">Contact us now and get a free quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"table-of-contents\" class=\"wp-block-group table_of_contents brdr-styl-sld brdr-colr-5 brdr-wdth-0 brdr-wdth-btm-2 is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wrap-innr pad-top-stnd pad-btm-stnd fox-expand-box is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"q mrgn-btm-0\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group a mrgn-top-stnd is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#what-is-an-american-cockroach\">What Is an American Cockroach?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#appearance-size-where-they-are-found\">Appearance, Size, and Where They Are Found<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#the-life-cycle-of-the-american-cockroach\">The Life Cycle of the American Cockroach<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#where-do-american-cockroaches-come-from\">Where Do American Cockroaches Come From?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#mistaken-identity\">Mistaken Identity<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#signs-of-an-american-cockroach-infestation\">Signs of an American Cockroach Infestation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#are-american-cockroaches-dangerous\">Are American Cockroaches Dangerous?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-get-rid-of-american-cockroaches\">How to Get Rid of American Cockroaches<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#quick-facts-about-the-american-cockroach\">Quick Facts About the American Cockroach<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group back_to_top__curtain is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group back_to_top is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><a href=\"#table-of-contents\">Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group wrap-innr pad-top-stnd pad-btm-8 is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>If you\u2019ve ever seen a big, reddish-brown roach scuttling across your kitchen floor or hiding in a dark basement corner, you\u2019ve probably met an American cockroach. These are the largest, fastest cockroaches you\u2019ll come across, and they\u2019re not just hanging out in homes. They thrive in restaurants, grocery stores, and even sewers (yep, you read that right).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s talk about what makes these roaches tick, why they show up where we live, and, most importantly, how to get them out of your house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-an-american-cockroach\">What Is an American Cockroach?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the short version: The American cockroach is a large roach that loves warm, humid places and will happily move into your home or business if it finds food, water, and shelter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if you\u2019ve been wondering: <em>\u201cDo American cockroaches infest homes?\u201d<\/em>, the answer is yes. They prefer basements, sewers, and commercial buildings, but they\u2019ll invade houses too, especially after heavy rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"appearance-size-where-they-are-found\">Appearance, Size, and Where They Are Found<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"212\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/American-Cockroach-212x300.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10015\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/American-Cockroach-212x300.webp 212w, https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/American-Cockroach-460x650.webp 460w, https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/American-Cockroach-768x1086.webp 768w, https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/American-Cockroach-1086x1536.webp 1086w, https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/American-Cockroach-1448x2048.webp 1448w, https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/American-Cockroach-scaled.webp 1810w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 212px) 100vw, 212px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>How do you spot an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pestworld.org\/pest-guide\/cockroaches\/american-cockroaches\/\">American cockroach<\/a>? Look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Size:<\/strong> About 1.5 to 2 inches long (as big as your thumb!).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wingspan:<\/strong> Up to 3 inches. They can fly short distances, but thankfully, they\u2019d rather run.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Color:<\/strong> Reddish-brown with a light yellowish figure-eight pattern on the back of their head.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Speed:<\/strong> These guys are fast, up to 3 miles per hour.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/edis.ifas.ufl.edu\/publication\/IN298\">American cockroaches love warm, humid spots<\/a> like kitchens, basements, and attics, but their favorite is the sewers. Of course, they hang out in places with food and water, especially at night when they\u2019re most active. While you\u2019ll often find them indoors, they\u2019re not picky\u2014they also like to chill in garbage piles, trees, and mulch outside. They prefer to stay hidden during the day, so they\u2019ll slip into cracks and dark corners until it\u2019s time to come out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>American cockroaches don\u2019t build traditional nests, but you\u2019ll often find them clustered together in dark, moist hiding spots close to food and water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ever wonder what American cockroaches eat? Well, these roaches are omnivores, meaning they\u2019ll eat just about anything. Whether it\u2019s food scraps, garbage, glue, cardboard, or even fabric, they\u2019re not picky eaters. This is where that bite force comes in handy! Even though they eat just about anything, they can go for a month without food. They can\u2019t survive long without water, though, only about a week! So, you can bet they\u2019re always on the lookout for a water source.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-life-cycle-of-the-american-cockroach\">The Life Cycle of the American Cockroach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The American cockroach\u2019s life cycle runs a little slower than some of its cockroach cousins, but don\u2019t let that fool you\u2014what they lack in speed, they make up for in sheer longevity and resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Egg cases (oothecae):<\/strong> Female roaches produce egg capsules containing up to 16 eggs each and will create around 8 capsules in their lifetime\u2014adding up to roughly 128 offspring. These capsules are often tucked away in hidden, dark places where they\u2019re safe from predators and disturbances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nymphs (baby roaches):<\/strong> When they hatch, the young are smaller, wingless, and lighter in color than adults. Over the next 6\u201312 months, they\u2019ll molt several times, growing larger and darker with each stage until they reach adulthood. (<em>Keyword: baby American cockroach \/ American cockroach nymph<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adults:<\/strong> Once fully grown, American cockroaches can live for up to a year\u2014sometimes even longer in ideal conditions. (<em>Keyword: American cockroach lifespan<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Environment matters:<\/strong> In warm, humid places like basements, sewers, and commercial kitchens, they grow and reproduce much faster. In cooler, drier conditions, their development slows down, but they can still survive for long periods by hiding out and conserving energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bottom line:<\/strong> Even though they take their time growing up, once they\u2019re adults, American cockroaches can live long enough to establish large, stubborn infestations\u2014especially if left unchecked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"where-do-american-cockroaches-come-from\">Where Do American Cockroaches Come From?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Given their name, you might think American cockroaches would be from the United States, but you\u2019d be wrong. <a href=\"https:\/\/edis.ifas.ufl.edu\/publication\/IN298\">American cockroaches<\/a> are originally from Africa and were introduced to the U.S. around 1625. Because of global trading, they are now spread worldwide. Even though they\u2019re mostly found in basements, sewers, and large commercial buildings like restaurants and grocery stores, sometimes they invade homes, especially after heavy rain. In places like sewers, their populations can grow to huge numbers, sometimes over 5,000 in a single manhole!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mistaken-identity\">Mistaken Identity&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s easy to mistake American cockroaches for other big roaches because they look so much alike. Australian cockroaches are often mistaken for American ones, but they\u2019re smaller and have yellow markings on their wings. American roaches are also mistaken for Smokybrown cockroaches, which are just as big but solid dark brown or black.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>American cockroaches are often mistaken for palmetto bugs or waterbugs, but these are actually different pests. The term <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pestworld.org\/news-hub\/pest-articles\/what-s-the-difference-between-palmetto-bugs-and-cockroaches\/\">palmetto bug<\/a> is often used as a nickname for several types of roaches and even beetles, especially in the southeastern U.S. American cockroaches are just one type of roach that\u2019s earned this nickname. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/articles\/giant-water-bug.htm\">Water bugs are aquatic insects<\/a> which are unrelated to but look a lot like a roach. If you\u2019re not sure which one you\u2019re dealing with, take a closer look at their color and markings\u2014this can help you figure it out. Or, even better, call Fox to figure it out for you!&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfGhqf4AVMvtoW_Hsde8RbLI0pV1MiztAlz9IA-S4PONLlTfOzpg88ybzWDiXaK4o8nx80di4FDApsC8KC7EqORrce5R5Uj0AnjhGj3iuWD15zYIBOK_WyJFksry9NdGPdArDKs?key=LQvLhCfkNZExlaqZF7GiIA\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"signs-of-an-american-cockroach-infestation\">Signs of an American Cockroach Infestation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Wondering if you have an American cockroach problem? Look for these telltale signs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Droppings:<\/strong> Small, <a href=\"https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/blog\/what-does-cockroach-poop-look-like-the-guide-you-never-knew-you-needed-but-totally-do\/\">dark pellets<\/a> that resemble coffee grounds or mouse droppings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Egg cases:<\/strong> Light brown, capsule-shaped casings often found in dark corners or near water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shed skins:<\/strong> Left behind as they grow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Musty smell:<\/strong> Larger infestations can create an unpleasant odor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Seeing them during the day:<\/strong> Like most roaches, they\u2019re nocturnal, so daytime sightings are a sign of a heavy infestation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group max-width bg-colr-4 pad-top-3 pad-btm-3 is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group sm--row-gap-2 is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b02886af wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"mrgn-btm-0 h-6 has-fox-neutral-800-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d574c063229673d077e5424a0b73d9fa\">Have [pest name format=&#8221;lower&#8221; article=&#8221;true&#8221;] problem that needs fixing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button mrgn-btm-0\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#contact_form_main\">Contact us now and get a free quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"are-american-cockroaches-dangerous\">Are American Cockroaches Dangerous?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, yes. These roaches are more than just gross; they can pose health risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019re known to carry bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli from sewers, trash, and decaying matter into kitchens and food storage areas. On top of that, their droppings, saliva, and shed skins can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-get-rid-of-american-cockroaches\">How to Get Rid of American Cockroaches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the truth: American cockroaches are some of the toughest pests to kick out. They\u2019re big, fast, and masters at hiding in hard-to-reach places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While DIY methods like traps and sprays might reduce their numbers, <a href=\"https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/pest-control\/cockroaches\/\">professional treatment<\/a> by Fox Pest Control is by far the quickest and most effective way to wipe them out for good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, there\u2019s plenty you can do to help keep them under control and make your home less welcoming to these unwelcome guests:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Cut off their water supply. <\/strong>Roaches can survive weeks without food, but only about a week without water. Fix leaky pipes, dry out damp areas (especially in basements and bathrooms), and avoid leaving standing water in sinks or pet bowls overnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Eliminate their food sources. <\/strong>Store food in airtight containers, even the stuff in your cabinets. Take out the trash regularly and use bins with tight-fitting lids. Clean up spills quickly, wash dishes instead of letting them sit, and sweep up crumbs from counters, tables, and floors. Don\u2019t forget your pets. Pick up food bowls when they\u2019re done eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Seal their hiding spots. <\/strong>Use caulk to close up cracks and gaps in floors, baseboards, and walls. Roaches love tight, dark spaces, so the fewer places they can squeeze into, the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Keep things clean and organized. <\/strong>Regularly vacuum and mop, especially in hidden areas behind appliances and furniture. Declutter storage areas like closets, basements, and shelves; less clutter means fewer places for roaches to hide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bottom line:<\/strong> Pairing these steps with professional help from Fox Pest Control gives you the best shot at kicking American cockroaches and keeping them from coming back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"quick-facts-about-the-american-cockroach\">Quick Facts About the American Cockroach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fast movers:<\/strong> They can run up to 3 miles per hour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Omnivores:<\/strong> They eat just about anything, including glue, cardboard, and fabric.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Water lovers:<\/strong> They can go a month without food but only a week without water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Misleading names:<\/strong> They\u2019re often called palmetto bugs or water bugs, but those are different insects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bottom line:<\/strong> American cockroaches are big, fast, and <a href=\"https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/blog\/can-cockroaches-really-survive-anything\/\">built to survive<\/a>. But that doesn\u2019t mean you have to live with them. If you spot one, or worse, several, it\u2019s time to call in the experts for a full inspection and treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[pest name] Facts Family: BlattidaeScientific Order: BlattodeaGroup Name: Intrusion&nbsp;Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on crumbs, food scraps, paper, and decaying organic matterLife Span: Around 1 to 2 yearsColor: Reddish-brown with a yellowish figure-8 pattern on the back of the head&nbsp;Size: 1\u00bd to 2 inches long&nbsp;Species: Periplaneta americana&nbsp; Table of Contents Back to Top If you\u2019ve ever seen [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":8606,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/page-pest-files.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-10524","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10524","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10524"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10524\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11257,"href":"https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10524\/revisions\/11257"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8606"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fox-pest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10524"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}