American Roaches
These are one of the largest domestic roaches. The American can be over two inches long and red brown. Adults have four wings and a pale yellow halo around the shield-like pronotum directly behind the head. They experience several stages of nymphs, vary in size and have similar appearances. Egg cases can be deposited in harborage areas, which are purse shaped and dark brown.
Questions To Ask About American Roaches
- Where have you seen them?
- Have you seen them outside?
- Do you have a crawl space?
- Where is your water meter box?
- Have you had any moisture problems sewer backups?
- Are your gutters clean and functional?
- Do you have an irrigation system?
- Are your attic & eave areas well ventilated?
American Roach Inspection Tips
These roaches like moisture and are usually found outside. They can get into the eave areas on some houses along soffits. They harbor in mulch and tree holes outside and are usually only seen at night. The American roach can be found in any city. The American cockroach is more common in institutional settings in the northern United States.
Look for: dead roaches, egg cases and droppings (droppings are similar in size to mice but have grooves on them and are squared off at the ends).
Pay particular attention to:
- crawl spaces
- mulched gardens
- tree holes or palm trees near the house
- plumbing or sewer problems
- pet food left outside
- under concrete slabs
- sewer vents
- sump areas
- utility areas
- garages
- soffit areas and attics
- pipe chases
- water meter boxes
- sewer junction boxes
