About American Cockroach
The American cockroach is the largest of the house-infesting cockroaches. They are reddish-brown with a yellowish figure-8 pattern on the back of their head. Despite their name, they are not native to the Americas.
Behavior & Habits
These cockroaches prefer warm, damp areas like sewers, basements, and crawl spaces. They can fly and are often seen outdoors but will move inside during extreme weather or to find food.
Risks & Concerns
Like other roaches, they spread bacteria and contaminate food surfaces. They are mechanical vectors for various pathogens and can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Prevention Tips
- Seal entry points around utility pipes and windows.
- Keep basements and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry.
- Remove decaying leaves and organic matter from the home's perimeter.
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors.