Description
American cockroaches originated in central Africa and have since spread around the world via man-made vessels such as ships, automobiles and airplanes. These cockroaches can be found inhabiting sewer systems, boiler rooms, steam tunnels, basements and even attics in flat top roofs. Anytime a pest professional hears the phrase "those roaches were big enough to ride", they immediately know which cockroach species is present.
Biology and Behavior
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These cockroaches are large and reddish-brown, ranging from 1 3/8 to 2 1/8 of an inch long.
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They can travel long distances to food or harborage (living) sources (>300ft).
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Females glue egg capsules to surfaces; egg capsules contain 14-16 eggs per capsule.
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Females produce 250 to 300 offspring in a lifetime.
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They are rather long-lived, typically living longer than one year.
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They feed on most foods but prefer fermenting foods, including beer.
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American cockroaches occasionally migrate en masse from sewers, landfills and other harborage areas.
American Cockroach Prevention Tips
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Remove food and moisture sources (i.e., roof leaks, food spills).
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Keep floor drains filled with water or cover drain openings with fine mesh screen.
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Seal cracks greater than 1/4 inch in floors, walls and ceilings with a sealant.
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Fill window and door frame gaps and utility openings with a sealant.
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Keep shrubs, vines and tree limbs trimmed away from the structure.
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Mulch should be less than 3 inches deep; gravel perimeters are best around a structure.
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Remove garbage daily and store containers outside with tight fitting lids.
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Remove leaf litter and yard wastes from a foundation.
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Don't stack lumber, firewood, bricks or other debris next to a foundation.
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