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American Cockroaches

There are 3 things people should get used to when in Florida: heat, humidity, and cockroaches… Having contact with roaches is inevitable, and sometimes, the only solution is a professional cockroach treatment. Below on this page, we’ll talk about the largest species and namely, the American roaches.

Identification Factors

#1. Size & Overall Appearance
The American cockroach measures about 1.5 inches in length, but it can grow up to 3 inches long. It is similar to the Australian cockroach as both male and female American cockroaches also can fly. The wings develop when the roaches become adults.

#2. Color & Distinctive Features
The species have reddish-brown wings, light, circular or figure eight markings on their thorax and a light-colored band around the pronotum.

#3. Behavior, Diet, Habits

American cockroaches prefer warm and damp areas, and this is why they usually live outdoors. They are also known as “palmetto bugs” due to the fact they live on trees. The reason these roaches invade homes is to find water or food. Speaking of food, the American roach will consider anything for its next meal. Anything between foods and feces seems like a decent meal for a hungry roach.

Signs of Infestation

  • Sightings – American roaches run very fast and may even fly when startled.
  • Droppings – You can recognize American cockroach droppings by ridges on the sides. Also, they are blunt on the ends and people often mistake them for mouse droppings.
  • Egg Capsules – The egg cases are about 1.5 inches long and can be found in basements, laundry rooms, kitchens, under cabinets, behind appliances, etc.
  • Odor – All cockroaches produce a chemical called aggregation pheromone, which causes the roaches to stay together in groups. If you sense the musty smell of these pheromones, you should consider contacting a roach doctor.

The Solution

A long-term cockroach treatment requires the intervention of a professional, but in order to limit the number of roaches in your home, you could do the following:

  • Regularly take out the trash and improve hygiene.
  • Seal cracks and eliminate points of entry around your property.
  • Never leave uncovered food around your home.
  • Place glue traps.

Total Pest Services is an experienced company that will take care of all your cockroach invasion problems. Get in touch with us now!

If You’ve Got Pests, Then Call the Best!