| Appearance |
Up
to 2" long; largest of the house-infesting cockroaches. Reddish brown,
with a
yellowish figure-8 pattern on the back of the
head. |
| Habitat |
|
American cockroaches are commonly
found in food
preparation areas and warm, damp places such as sewers and basements,
particularly around pipes and drains. They are very aggressive, making
roach control difficult, and are more
likely to be seen in daytime and outdoors than other species. They are
most
active when the temperature is 70 degrees or higher, although they can
survive
lower temperatures. |
| Diet |
Omnivorous; American cockroaches are scavengers and
eat almost anything. Attraction to alcoholic beverages, especially beer.
|
| Control |
|
Cockroaches pose serious health
risks to your family or business. Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms, and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. Good sanitation and habitat reduction
is the key to effective roach control. Also important are vacuuming and surveillance,
a professional baiting program, and careful sealing of cracks to help reduce
or eliminate a cockroach population. Because cockroaches are nocturnal and experts
at hiding, successful roach control requires special equipment, materials and
expertise. |
|