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.