American Cockroaches

The American cockroach is known by a variety of different names such as the water bug, flying water bug and palmetto bug depending on the region where it is located. These reddish brown cockroaches are able to easily be distinguished because they are the largest of the common cockroaches ranging in size up to 1 ½” in length. They also have a border around their bodies which helps to identify them which is usually lighter brown to yellow in color. Both sexes are winged with the males’ wings being slightly longer than that of the female American cockroach. The females will only carry the egg sack for approximately one day before they are then deposited into a safe location close to a food source in a protected area. 

     In the warm southern states the American cockroach may deposit their egg capsules outdoors near moist wood which is decaying. This moist wood provides a source of both food and water for the newly hatched nymphs. Unlike many species of cockroaches the American cockroach nymphs will molt for the first time while hatching and will leave behind their first skins within the egg case. Ach egg capsule typically contains around 15 eggs with the female depositing up to 90 egg capsules in their lifetime. The young nymphs will continue to molt multiple times with between 9 and 13 molts being typically of the young American cockroach. This molting process typically takes between 160-900 days to complete depending on many different factors.

    When American cockroaches make a home indoors, they tend to thrive in areas which are dark and moist such as crawl spaces, basements, under sinks and in drains. Although the American cockroach can be found in all regions of the United States, they tend to only migrate during the warm months in the northern regions. However, in the south where humidity levels are high and temperatures are warm these common cockroaches are often found in yards, hollowed out trees, wood piles and other landscaping areas. Another common area where these cockroaches can be found in the southern regions of the United States are around swimming pools and in shaded areas such as under roofing shingles.

    Although the American cockroach can thrive and survive on a variety of different food sources, the primary preferred food source is organic material which is decaying. Sweets and starches are also preferred with glossy paper and book bindings being a preferred source of food as well. Adult American cockroaches can survive on water alone for up to three months; however, without water the American cockroach will die within a single month. The wings of the American cockroach are well developed, and they are able to glide for long distances if they begin their flight from an elevated height. Although they prefer to crawl, they will commonly fly short distances when required.