Pest Library
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What do American cockroaches look like?
American cockroaches (Periplanet americana) are larger roaches measuring approximately 1-1/2 inches long. They are shiny reddish brown to dark brown in color; the areas right behind their heads have a yellow marking. Adult American roaches have wings and fly on occasion but they are awkward fliers and are more inclined to run. Immature American cockroaches look very similar to adults except that they are smaller and do not have wings.

Acrobat Ants
Crematogaster spp

American Cockroaches
Periplanet americana

Argentine Ants
Linepithema humile

Bed Bugs
Cimex lectularius L.

Black Widow Spiders
Lactrodectus mactans

Boxelder Bugs
Boisea trivittata

Brown Recluse Spiders
Brown Recluse Spiders

Carpenter Ants
Camponotus species

Carpenter Bees
Xylocopa spp.

Centipedes
Scutigera coleaoptrata

Earwigs
Crematogaster spp

Fire Ants
Solenopsis invicta

Fleas
Ctenocephalides felis

German Cockroaches
Blatella germanica

Hornets
Dolichovespula maculate

House Spiders
Achaearanea tepidariorum

Jumping Spiders
Salticidae

Little Black Ants
Monomorium minimum

Mice
Mus musculus

Millipedes
Oxidus gracilis

Mosquitoes
Aedes albopictus

Norway Rats
Rattus norvegicus

Odorous House Ants
Tapinoma sessile

Oriental Cockroaches
Blatta orientalis
When are American Cockroaches most active?
- Very Active
- Active
- Not Active
Are American cockroaches dangerous?
Unfortunately, American cockroaches are known to carry bacteria on their bodies which can, along with their feces, contaminate food, surfaces, and other items they come in contact with. What’s more, American cockroaches produce allergens on their bodies and in their fecal matter that can contribute to allergies and trigger respiratory issues, especially in children.
How can I tell if I have an American roach problem?
While this type of cockroach is usually found outdoors, they will move indoors. If you’re concerned that you have a potential roach problem in your home, you’ll want to keep an eye out for these pests in areas that are warm and humid. As American cockroaches are often referred to as water bugs because they frequent areas with pipes and plumbing, you’ll likely see activity there as well if you’re dealing with an infestation
Other signs of an American cockroach infestation include live roaches crawling in the house, finding droppings under sinks and in other areas, and an unexplained musty odor.
What attracts American cockroaches?
American cockroaches are not picky eaters which means they could be attracted to your home because it provides plenty to eat including, but not limited to plants, wallpaper glue, soap, pet food, and human food. As noted above, they prefer environments that are warm and humid so if you have a moisture problem in your bathroom, laundry room, or other room in your home, you might attract these roaches.
How do I get rid of American cockroaches?
For effective pest control services that get rid of American cockroaches and other house-infested pests, contact a licensed pest control company. At Detect Termite & Moisture Services, we’ve been exterminating cockroaches since 1922 and have the tools, knowledge, and experience to help you curb cockroach activity in your home or business!
How can I prevent an American cockroach infestation?
If you’d like to keep American cockroaches out of your structure, you should:
- Inspect cardboard boxes, groceries, and other items you bring into your home for cockroaches or signs of them
- Seal off potential entry points including gaps around utilities and cracks in the foundation
- Install weather stripping and door sweeps
- Screen attic vents
- Repair or replace torn window screens
- Correct moisture problems
- Repair leaking pipes and/or appliances
- Trim back trees and shrubs so that they do not touch the sides of the structure
BrickKicker Home Inspections of Hampton Roads & Detect Termite and Moisture 199 Google reviews laura duval2024-11-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Enjoyed working with James and Mike. Knowledgeable and thorough and willing to take the time to educate me and slow down to show me the things they discovered Erin Duncan2024-10-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So thorough. I greatly appreciate the time and consideration put into our home inspection. Both gentlemen who conducted the inspection were patient, kind, and detail-oriented. Thank you again. Bryce Games2024-08-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good company to use. The representatives I had James Maready and his assistant were very polite and friendly while remaining professional. James was very detailed in his explanation of things but not overbearing, he is very knowledgeable on the subjects in which he speaks, and he made the inspection process easy. I will be recommending James and this company to any who are looking for an inspection. Julia Helveston2024-07-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Showed up on time, was thorough and gave us a detailed list. Chris LaWall2024-07-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Always accommodating to our clients needs, they provide professional and non opinionated repairs when required and always warranty their work for ongoing problems. Reasonable, affordable and one of the better moisture and termite companies we’ve had the pleasure of working with. CEO Lighthouse Realty Solutions, Inc Beauty 4Ashes2024-06-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I just appreciate that they set me up with a HomeBinder which helps with effortless maintenance reminders, recommended home service providers etc. For a first time owner this helps with a roadmap for maintaining the home! Samantha W2024-04-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I love the team. Only needed them 2 times, but they were here quickly and the service and results are amazing. 5 stars Mae Winters2024-02-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So friendly, professional, and thorough! I would recommend this company to anyone looking to buy a new home. Lani Lee2023-04-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Second time I had this company do an inspection for me on a house I wanted to buy. Very happy dealing with them. Would hire them again.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

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