Did you know that the American cockroach isn’t actually American? In fact, the American roach is native to Africa & the Middle East and wasn’t introduced to the Americas until 1625 through the slave trade. So why is it called the American roach? Maybe it’s because of its size and resilience. Known for being the largest common cockroach with a lifespan of up to 700 days, the American roach has proven to be a formidable opponent to homeowners here in Ventura County as well as across the States.
American Cockroaches Facts
There is a reason roaches are a rare pest to see around homes. Not fond of the light, cockroaches spend their days hiding and only come out when the sun has set to scavenge for food. What sets the American roach apart from other roaches is the amount of time it takes them to mature—a staggering 6-12 months, and in this time they go through 13 moultings. As an adult, an American cockroach can produce upwards of 150 offspring in their lifetime. Another interesting fact is that an adult American roach can run at record speeds of 3.4 mph. For their body size, that is the equivalent of a human running at 210 mph.
Just like many other pests, the American roach likes their environment to be hot and damp, preferably above 80 degrees. As the weather outside drops, these roaches find a way indoors. Here are some common ways the American cockroach gets into homes.
- Through cracks, gaps, or holes in a home’s foundation
- Through sewer connections
- Under doors
- Through plumbing or air ducts
When cockroaches get into homes, they will hide anywhere that is dark and moist such as basements, crawlspaces, and sometimes even laundry rooms.
Prevention Steps To Keep American Cockroaches Out
- Seal potential entry points in your home’s foundation using a caulking gun.
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors.
- Reduce moisture in your home by fixing leaks and installing dehumidifiers in particularly humid areas.
- Store all leftover food inside airtight containers.
- Clean regularly and in areas where cockroaches like to hide such as under refrigerators and stoves
What To Do If American Cockroaches Get Inside
When American cockroaches invade homes, they bring problems with them in the form of disease and contamination. If you suspect your home has fallen siege to these dangerous and resilient roaches, reach out to the professionals here at Ventura County Pest Control today! We will send one of our highly trained pest technicians out your way ASAP with a solution to get and keep roaches out of your home for good.
