Cockroaches have been creeping and crawling throughout most places on the globe. As they produce high pitched squeals, spread germs, bacteria, and disease as well as trigger allergies. With thousands of species of cockroaches found around the world, there is one that stands out state side, and that is the American Cockroach. Today, we at A-Tex Pest Management would like to shine the spotlight on American cockroaches found throughout the United States, including Texas.
How Do I Identify an American Cockroach?
The American cockroach is the largest species of cockroach found in the US. They can range in length between 1 ½” and 2”. Their coloring varies; from multiple shades of brown, reddish brown, and mahogany. No matter the color, the majority are marked with a yellow band just behind their head. When the American cockroach reaches adulthood they are featured with wings, which they rarely use. When observing the American cockroach in flight, it looks awkward and clumsy; as a result, more often than not they will run. American cockroaches are one of the fastest insects around; clocking in at 3 miles per hour, which is the equivalent of a person running 210 miles per hour. With this particularly skill, they are able invade predators, which is why they forgo flying. When you a flicker a light on, you can see their great speed as they dart to the quickest refuge they can find.
Do American Cockroaches Multiply?
American cockroaches can live for about a year after reaching the adult phase, if they manage to survive during their lifespan. Females can produce nearly 150 hatchlings. With three life cycles of being; egg, nymph, and adult they morph through their cycles rapidly. After 6-8 weeks the eggs will hatch, and within 6-12 months they will become adults. While in the nymph stage they do not have wings; but will evolve by the time they are an adult.
What Food Do American Cockroaches Eat?
The American cockroach’s diet is not at all specific and they will consume nearly anything for sustenance. However, they do favor decaying organic matter like: meats, plants, glue, hair, soiled clothing, pet food, beer, cheese, leather, cosmetics, paper products, other insects, and are partial to fermented fruit. American cockroaches do require water but can survive without it for up to 2 weeks. Frequently, the American roach will seek out places to nest in close proximity to a water source and are commonly spotted near sewers and drains.
Do American Cockroaches Live in Walls?
American cockroaches prefer dark, warm, and damp places to dwell. Since they do prefer being near a convenient water source they generally hang out by your home’s foundation, under porches, in crawl spaces and in dark cracks and crevices. Typically, American cockroaches wander into your home or business during the winter months to escape the frigid temperatures. American cockroaches are nocturnal, avoid sunlight and shy away from most artificial light, which is why if they are squatting in your garage and you pass through while flickering on the light they quickly dash for the nearest darkest corner.
Cockroach Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
If you should happen to notice American cockroaches in your home or business, it is highly recommended that you call in A-Tex Pest Management sooner than later. As quickly as they reproduce, they can quickly grow from a handful of roaches to a large infestation of roaches. Our experts can locate their nesting grounds, and ensure the infestation is obliterated quickly and efficiently. Call us today to get started!
