Good Ol' American Cockroaches

Photo Credit: Kansas Department of Agriculture , Bugwood.org

In the last blog post, we went into great lengths about one of the smaller species of roaches: the German Cockroach. In this post, we're going to be focusing on the largest roach nuisance in our area: the American Cockroach. As far as size, the American Cockroach is about three times the size of the German. These roaches can get to be 1 1/2 inches long! These cockroaches were introduced to America nearly 400 years ago by ships coming from Africa. The appearance of these roaches isn't for the faint of heart. With their size and reddish-brown coloring, they can be quite scary to look at. 

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A few of you may remember that horrifyingly awful movie Joe's Apartment from the late 90s. The stars of that movie were the ever so disgusting American Cockroach. The setting of that movie was in New York City where a home infestation of that magnitude from an American Cockroach is more likely. It's colder in the northern states which is why it is where you're more likely to find these cockroaches indoors. The American Cockroaches are not a fan of cold environments, and in colder areas, they retreat to find comfort inside homes and buildings. These critters prefer climates that are warm and humid. 

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Cooper River Bridge, Charleston, SC

I know what you're thinking: "Did you just say warm and humid?" That's right...I did. Here in Charleston, SC, the climate is perfect outside for these American Cockroaches. In fact, you may even know them better as Palmetto Bugs or Waterbugs. These guys are the ones you see scurrying along the sidewalks and across your home's threshold. I know, I know. These are the ones that give you a heart attack and make you scream for your mommy. The euphemism of Palmetto Bug may sound quaint and ​of another world, but I assure  you these roaches are just as disgusting as the German roaches infesting our southern homes.

​Research shows that these roaches potentially carry over 30 different types of bacteria and parasites around (including E. coli, Salmonella, and parasitic worms). Yikes! Pass the disinfectant! 

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The American Cockroach really prefers hanging out outside in the mulch beds around your house, sheds, wood piles, etc. Don't get me wrong, these guys will make their way into your house. If their food supply runs low, these guys will not hesitate take up refuge in your home. If need be, these roaches will travel 100s of feet from from their home in search of food. and when it comes to food, American Cockroaches are not picky eaters. The're even known to feast on the glue that binds books together. 

Typically, restaurants and warehouses are a more ideal environment and are hit harder than homes when it comes to these cockroaches. Often with warehouses and restaurants there are large doors left open, or entrances and exists that are frequently opening and closing. With such easy access, getting into these locations is no problem for the American Cockroach. 
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The life span of an American Cockroach is 2 years which is significantly longer than that of a German cockroach. Because of their longer lifespan, they don't have the need to reproduce as quickly as the German Cockroach. It takes nearly an entire year for one of these cockroaches to develop into an adult from an egg. Egg sacks are dropped and placed in protective locations about once a week, but the gestation time inside the egg can be one to two months. Temperature plays a role in the hatching process and can affect the length of the roach's gestational period.

In a single year, a pair of American Cockroaches can have over 500 offspring under prime environmental conditions! 

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If you fear that you may have an American Cockroach infestation, don't hesitate to contact us at Champion Pest Management. We will be happy to perform a free inspection and give you a quote for a pest control plan that is best for you and your home or business. 

843.860.4791