American Roaches: The Low-Down on Common Cockroaches
Hey there, pest connaisseurs. I'm so glad to have you back! Now that spring has sprung, all the little critters are out to play. Today, we’re going to start on our common roach series. First up… the American roach.
If you haven’t heard the name “American cockroach,” you’ve undoubtedly heard of a water or palmetto bug. Over the years, people have given this big, ugly roach a few cutesy names. American roaches are the largest house-infesting roach of the species of cockroaches in our area.
How To Identify an American Roach
American cockroaches are typically reddish-brown with a figure 8 pattern on the back of the head. They average about 1.5 inches but can grow to more than 2 inches long.
Males and females are almost entirely identical. If you are curious enough to get down and inspect one, you’ll find a pair of fully developed wings.
The male's wings extend past the abdomen by 4-8 millimeters. A female's wings end almost evenly with their abdomen. Speaking of females, they are a bit more round around the middle.
These large roaches have six legs equipped with various sensory organs that allow them to navigate their world easily. Their long, slender legs are built for speed. Through years of adaptation, their legs will enable them to cover a lot of ground fast. This helps them get to safe grounds when they think danger is present.
The Life Cycle
Even though the American cockroach population seems to multiply quickly, the journey from egg capsule to adulthood can take almost two years. Once the roach has fully matured, it can live for another 400 days.
Egg Stage: Building the Nursery
First comes the egg, snugly wrapped in a protective case called an ootheca. Mama roach takes great care, carrying this capsule around for a few days before carefully placing it in a hidden spot, secured with her own saliva. Inside each case, there are about 14 tiny embryos waiting to hatch in about a month.
Nymphs: Growing Up Days
The next stage is the nymph phase, which is like their teenage years. This lasts several months, and this is when they undergo remarkable changes. They shed their old skins every so often, about every week or so, to accommodate their growing bodies. This process, called molting, is like shedding old clothes to make room for new ones.
Adulting: Wings and All
Finally, after several molts, they emerge as fully-fledged adults, complete with wings. Now, they're ready to tackle the world and, well, reproduce. They scurry around, looking for food and water, and within a few days, they're all set to start the cycle anew.
The Circle of Life
Every female roach can lay eggs, whether they've found a mate or not. But those who've found love lay eggs more frequently, about every four days. Their offspring have a better chance of survival when living in groups, especially if their mama is single.
The Bottom Line
Remember, these critters can live for about a year, and a single female can produce up to 15 egg cases in her lifetime. So, it's essential to keep them in check with regular pest control.
Did I Just See an American Roach Flying?!
Well, yes and no. American cockroaches have fully developed wings capable of flying, but they mostly use them to glide through the air after jumping or pushing off a surface.
Does that give you more peace of mind or less? Would you rather have a roach infestation of cockroaches with wings or jumping cockroaches? Our answer would be… neither.
Luckily, these big roaches with wings prefer ground movement because it is easier and more efficient for them to hurry away.
Health Effects of American Cockroaches
While many of us may shudder at the sight of a big cockroach, it's essential to know that American cockroaches pose a particular concern, especially when it comes to our health. These roaches can carry a slight risk to us, particularly in terms of allergens.
The Hidden Dangers: Allergens and Asthma
One of the most significant issues with American cockroaches is their potential to worsen allergies and asthma. It's not just their presence that's bothersome; it's what they leave behind. Cockroach droppings, saliva, and even their shed skin contain proteins that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
For those of us with asthma, the impact can be even more significant. Exposure to these allergens can exacerbate asthma symptoms, leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. This is particularly concerning as we get older and may already have respiratory issues to contend with.
Creating a Healthy Home Environment
It's crucial to take proactive steps to minimize the risk posed by American cockroaches.
Seal Up Entry Points:
These crafty critters can find their way into our homes through tiny cracks and crevices. Regularly inspecting and sealing up these entry points can help keep them out.
Maintain Cleanliness:
Cockroaches thrive in dirty, cluttered environments. Keeping our homes clean and free of food crumbs and spills can make finding a water or food source less inviting and harder.
Invest in Pest Control:
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, roaches still find a way in. Investing in professional pest control services can help keep their numbers in check and reduce the risk to our health.
The Four Seasons Pest Control Approach
Cockroach control is a significant part of our job as your pest professional. Ultimately, American roaches live outdoors, and we are responsible for minimizing their impact on your indoor living spaces.
Our technicians are trained investigators when faced with a cockroach problem at home. We take the time to check all hotspot areas like crawl spaces, bathroom cabinets, and kitchen pantries. We check around your doors and windows and recommend how to seal gaps that allow pests to come inside correctly.
No one wants to see a giant, brown cockroach watching TV with them. Ongoing pest control at regular intervals is one of the best defenses against these unsightly pests. Four Seasons Pest Control is here to help. Give us a call today for your free quote for American cockroach control.
