American Roaches

• Size: 1-1/2 inches long
• Location: Southern United States
• Color: Reddish-brown to dark brown (except for a tan or light yellow band around the shield behind the head
• Colloquially called “water bugs” or “palmetto bugs”

The American cockroach is one of the larger cockroach species. Males and females are about the same size. They have wings, making them capable of flight, but they can usually be seen scurrying around on their six legs. The wings are about the same length as the body in the females and longer in the males, extending slightly beyond the abdomen. When feeling threatened, American cockroaches will scatter and adult males can glide for extended distances. Adults can live at least two to three months without food, a month without water, and can easily survive outdoor freezing temperatures.

American cockroaches like hot, humid conditions and have fully developed wings. The American cockroach is commonly found outdoors in landscaped areas, sewers or storm drains and in low areas of a building where moisture levels are higher. Indoors, they are most commonly found in restaurants, grocery stores, and other places where food is prepared or stored. They are often found in damp sewers and basements, in heating ducts, and on the first floors of buildings. They can be transported into homes and apartments in boxes from infested establishments.

This species feeds on decaying organic matter. They hide during the day in sheltered, dark places and forage for food at night, often running rapidly when disturbed. However, American cockroaches are one of the least common roaches found in homes.

American cockroaches are very mobile, travel quickly, and may dart out of sight into small cracks and crevices when humans enter a room. This roach is also an adequate flier. This roach is primarily an outdoor pest, feeding upon plant and decaying organic matter. If it invades a structure it will feed upon varieties of starchy materials. American cockroaches are commonly found around urban and suburban areas, and often seen in and around homes and gardens.