Cockroaches are notorious little insects that are known to trigger allergies and asthma. Their filthy habits are likely to have them carrying scores of germs and bacteria which they spread onto the surfaces where we prepare food. As a result, people inherit diseases and viruses from cockroaches. Throughout Texas, and the country for that matter, American Cockroaches are among the most common. Today, we at A-Tex Pest Management would like to share the basics of American roaches.
What Do Roaches Look Like?
Ranging in size from 1 ½” and 2” long, American Cockroaches among the most popular species, but they are also one of the largest. Having a few varieties of color, these roaches are found in multiple shades of reddish-brown, brown, and mahogany. American roaches are marked with a yellow band just behind their head, no matter their primary color.
Do American Cockroaches Run or Fly?
As nymphs, they have wing pads that are incapable of flight, but once they mature to into adults, they have fully developed wings and though they can fly, it is very awkward and clumsy looking. Their real talent is running quickly. American roaches are among the fastest and can run at 3 miles per hour, which is the equivalent of a person running 210 miles per hour. Their speed helps them evade predators and dash quickly out of sight when the lights flicker on in an otherwise dark room.
American Cockroach Fast Reproduction
Typically, as adults, American cockroaches will live for about a year if they manage to survive the wild. Producing up to 150 hatchlings, females are quick to reproduce. They morph in cycles rapidly, from the egg to a nymph, and finally adult. Within 6-8 weeks, American nymph roaches hatch, and between 6-12 months to evolve into adulthood, depending on the environment.
Diet of American Cockroaches
An American cockroach’s diet is not specific, as they are omnivorous, and they will eat most things such as organic matter including soiled clothing, glue, hair, leather, cosmetics, other insects, paper products, plants, pet food, beer, cheese, meats, and are partial to fermented fruit. Though they require water to live, American roaches can live up to 2 weeks without it. They commonly nest in or close to sewers and drains as they prefer to stay close to water sources.
American Cockroach Habitat
Not only wanting to be close to water, but American roaches also prefer darkness and warmth. Frequently attracting the attention of roaches, is close by foundations of homes and business including dark cracks and crevices. The American cockroach will seek shelter to escape the cold, often resulting in them infiltrating your home as they detest the cold. They avoid sunlight and will also shy away from other light sources being nocturnal creatures.
Cockroach Pest Inspections, Control Services & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
If you suspect American cockroaches or any other type of roach in your Texas home, call A-Tex Pest Management and let our certified experts eliminate the roaches effectively. We use premium products and equipment along with advanced techniques to ensure the cockroaches are efficiently destroyed. To protect your family, we can also provide preventive maintenance to help keep the roaches from invading. Contact us today!