American Cockroach

Despite its name, the American cockroach is native to Africa. This is the largest cockroach species that infests homes in North America. 

Looks like

American cockroach adults are 1 and 1/2 inches long (38mm) and reddish-brown in color. 

Environment

American cockroaches generally live in moist areas, but can survive in dry areas if they have access to water. 

Usual location

These cockroaches are common in basements, crawl spaces, cracks and crevices of porches, foundations, and walkways adjacent to buildings. 

Diet

They may feed on a wide variety of plant and animal material.

Life Cycle

They may feed on a wide variety of plant and animal material. Adult cockroaches can live up to one year, during which females produce an average of 150 young.

Health Risks

Members of this species are also known to carry infectious bacteria on their bodies and in their gut. These bacteria may be transferred to food and other items that the cockroaches contact. Several bacteria commonly associated with American cockroaches are known to cause food poisoning, dysentery, and diarrhea in humans. American cockroaches also produce allergens on their bodies and in their fecal material. While American cockroaches are not considered to be major culprits of human respiratory problems like some other cockroach species, they have been implicated as a cause of allergic dermatitis and childhood asthma.