Cockroaches love moist humid climates. Nevertheless, they can be found in any climate around the world. One cockroach that can be found almost anywhere throughout the United States is the American Cockroach. The American cockroach is one of the most common and largest cockroach species in Utah. Rentokil will share more about these cockroaches and how you can better control them.

American Cockroach Identification

As just stated, the American cockroach is the largest cockroach found in America and can reach up to nearly two inches in total length. To make this insect even more intimidating, they have a nasty habit of flying at people when a door is open, especially at night. Both male and female American cockroaches come equipped with wings and even though they do fly, they aren’t very graceful at it and only go very short distances. Adult American cockroaches are a golden bronze color. Though wingless at birth, nymphs develop their wings as they mature. Female American cockroaches can reproduce very quickly. They can lay an egg capsule that contains up to 16 eggs inside it and those eggs will hatch within days. When these eggs hatch they can reach full adulthood in just 5 1/2 months. Due to the rapid growth rate of the American cockroach, they can infest an area quickly.

Where Do Flying American Cockroaches Come from?

American cockroaches also feed on a wide range of food which consists mostly of starch. This means American cockroaches will feed on decaying plant matter, paper, glue, and grains. Because this species of cockroach can survive on such a plentiful food source, they can become difficult to control. American cockroaches are often found high in the treetops of palm trees. They hide in the leaves during the day and are drawn to light at night, which is why they have that nasty habit of flying at people when the door opens. They will also look for cracks or gaps in windows or doorways during the night when light is showing through them.

Signs of American Cockroach Infestations in Houses & Apartments

Signs of a cockroach invasion can vary from skin flakes or shed the skin of the maturing nymphs. You might also see cockroach droppings that can look like pepper flakes or discarded egg capsules. Do you see unexplained damage on your books, wallpaper or other paper-like items? This is another sign. Of course, seeing American cockroaches in the bathrooms and kitchen or other areas with high humidity and moisture is a given. When signs of a cockroach infestation emerge, it is important to quickly begin control.

American Cockroach Prevention

To prevent and control cockroach populations, the first thing you will want to do is deprive them of food, water, and shelter. This means removing yard or plant debris along with any other garbage or clutter outside and around your home. The next step is to work on the inside and outside of your home in search of the areas that might give cockroaches the ability to get inside your home. If you find gaps big enough for them to slink through, seal them with caulking glue. However, your best defense for cockroach control is to use a pest control company.

How to Get Rid of Roaches; Professional Cockroach Control

If your home is infested with cockroaches, contact Rentokil. We can help provide a pest control defense to rid your home of cockroaches and other invading pests. Contact Rentokil to be pest free today!