American Roaches
American roaches are also known as water bugs or palmetto bugs. They are reddish-brown in color, are typically 1.5 inches long and have wings, but seldom fly. They are often seen gliding around, though. The American roach is the largest species of common roach in the US. They are mostly predominant in southern states like South Carolina, but they have also been spotted in northern states such as New York and Wisconsin. After all, there are as many sewers in the north as there are in the south for the roaches to live in! American roaches do not tolerate cold as well as other types of roaches, which is why they try to enter homes as temperatures get cooler.
American roaches are like most other roaches — they like to come out at night and run away quickly at the sight of light or a person entering a room, making them very hard to catch. In fact, American roaches are speculated to be one of the fastest running insects.
How can American Cockroaches Affect Your Home?
Due to their large size and slow development, large infestations of these insects are not common within houses. However, during certain times of year, these cockroaches may take shelter indoors. In cold weather, these cockroaches may move inside, seeking warmer temperatures and food. Cockroaches enter houses via sewer connections, under doors, around plumbing, air ducts, or other openings in the foundation. Cockroach populations may be controlled through the use of insecticides, removing the food supply, or by physically excluding them from unwanted areas. (Source: Wikipedia: American Roaches).
What Do They Feed on?
American roaches enjoy organic decaying matter the most, such as leaves. Therefore, it's a good idea to keep window wells clear of leaves. Like some other household pests, such as silverfish, American roaches are attracted to sweets and starchy items like book bindings and the back of wallpaper.
Where do American Roaches Live and Hide?
While outdoors, American roaches prefer shady areas, hollow trees, mulch and woodpiles as their homes. In residential areas, they live in basements, sewers, crawl spaces, cracks and crevices of porches, foundations and walkways adjacent to buildings and any other damp, dark and warm place they can find. They have also been seen in and around bathtubs, floors and drains. Learn tips for preventing roaches in your home.
