American Cockroach (Periplaneta Americana)
Description: The American cockroach is perhaps the largest of the species with length ranging to 1.5 inches. It's color is reddish-brown with a yellow border around the surface of the pronotum. The nymphs begin as a gray/brown color and after the first few molts will begin to favor the adults with a reddish color.
Developmental Biology: An adult American roach will produce one egg capsule per week until at least 15 to 90 capsules have been laid. Each capsule contains 14-16 eggs. Unlike the German roach, the American roach drops the egg capsule in a suitable location to hatching or it may attach the capsule to a surface with a secretion of saliva which acts as a glue. Hatching will occur within 50-55 days. This roach can live 14 to 15 months without intervention.
General Behavior: When located inside a home, the American roach is usually found in moist or dark areas such as basements, bathtubs, or floor drains. However, in the South, these roaches are most prominent in palm trees, mulch, hollow or decaying trees. These areas provide the moist and dark areas roaches favor. Decaying organic matter is the preferred food item. They will also feed on paper, book bindings, or other such items inside a dwelling.
Method of Infestation: Most American cockroaches will enter a dwelling via crack and crevices around doors or windows. It has been known for them to "fly or glide" considerable distances. Movement from a landscape harborage to the indoors usually increase during hot and wet weather.
Management: First, management of the American roach involves a careful inspection of the premise. A professional pest control technician will evaluate the dwelling and surrounding areas. Next, using the technicians experience and training, a plan will be developed to treat harborage areas. A perimeter treatment using professional pesticides is usually recommended. In addition, baits, dusts, or crack and crevice treatments may be used according to the inspection. Finally, a follow-up and maintenance service should be established discouraging future re-infestations.
