Cockroaches have been around forever!
It is believed that cockroaches have survived the various phases and disruptions of our planet for over 300 million years. They are extremely impressive in surviving changes in climate and cohabitating with humans. There are 3500 species of cockroaches worldwide and about 55 in the United States.
Over the past few weeks, we have shared information with you on various types of cockroaches including German cockroaches and Oriental cockroaches. American cockroaches are the largest and are usually found in great numbers.
What does an American cockroach look like?
American cockroaches are not native to North America and are thought to have come from Africa aboard ships set for the United States. These cockroaches are larger than most on average 1.5 but have been know to exceed 2 inches. They are red/brown in color, 6 legs and wings and beware. American cockroaches can fly a short distance.
How do American cockroaches thrive?
American cockroaches are really the scours of the bug world. They love the outdoors but are happiest in sewers, drains, and any other indoor or outdoor dank, dark area. These pests prefer warm areas upwards of 70 degrees.
- Like their friend the bedbug, they are hitchhikers and enter your home in your luggage, bags and the unspeakable- tucked in grocery items!
- According to pestworld.org, They exhibit unique survival tactics, including the ability to live for a week without their head.
- They will eat anything! They have a fondness for decaying, dead and fermenting materials. They love beer, cheese, starchy foods, glue, bookbinding, hair, and any old food scraps they come upon.
- These strong survivors can live 3 months without food, 30 days without water!
- They are lightning fast and capitalize on their advantage of being highly mobile in the dark.
Are American cockroaches a threat to your family’s health?
Simply put? Yes. The environment in which these cockroaches live is so unhealthy and unsanitary that any cross contamination is sure to produce a serious health concern or illness.
- Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella, as well as six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens.
- American Cockroach droppings can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks, especially in children.
- Intestinal tract issues associated with consuming food prepared on counters and surfaces where cockroaches have crossed or fed upon old food.
How do you prevent American cockroaches from entering your home?
Keep your home or business clean, dry, and tightly closed!
- Look outside. Are the landscape beds closest to your home clean, and free from rotting debris?
- Stop your pack rat ways. American cockroaches love paper. Use recycle bind with lids to house old newspapers, soda cans and other containers holding food remnants.
- Seal up all leaks, loose screens, gutters, soffits, and other areas offering entry to your home.
- Clean as you go. Do not leave dirty dishes, especially in the sink.
- After your pet finishes their dinner, remove their feeding dishes and clean around the area thoroughly.
- Leave wood piles for home fireplace use outside along with garbage cans. Be sure the lids fit snug.
How do you get rid of American cockroaches?
Always contact a professional pest control service. At Accurate Pest Control, we offer free inspections of your home and surrounding outdoor areas. Our technicians are licensed and educated by the State of New York. They will review their findings and present a plan of action to you. The treatments are safe for your family and pets.
If damage has occurred, we offer a complete clean up including external structural damage to soffits, gutters, siding, roofing as well as interior damage to the insulation and dry wall. Give us a call to schedule an appointment at 518-587-3750.
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