American Cockroaches in Virginia
The American cockroach, often called a water bug or palmetto bug (and many less pleasant names), is the largest of the roaches that invade homes. It can grow up to 2 ⅛ inches long and has fully developed reddish-brown wings. Despite its name, it’s not native to North America but likely arrived from Africa via ships. Found throughout the U.S., it’s the second-most common cockroach after the German cockroach. An adult can live for up to a year, and females typically produce around 150 offspring during their lifespan. These roaches are highly adaptable and thrive in both outdoor and indoor environments, particularly in warm, damp areas.
American Cockroach Habitat
American cockroaches are naturally found in bat caves and hollow trees, but in urban areas, they inhabit places like sewers, storm drains, and even factories, hospitals, and hotels. Known for their omnivorous nature, these roaches eat decaying organic matter and will scavenge almost anything, from sweets to paper, pet food, soap, hair, and more. They prefer warm, moist conditions and are commonly found around drains, garbage, trees, and woodpiles outdoors. Inside homes, they seek out damp places like basements, kitchens, and bathrooms to thrive. Their ability to adapt to different environments makes them a persistent and difficult pest to eliminate.
American Cockroach Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Although American cockroaches can bite, they typically do not. They are considered hazardous pests due to their tendency to breed and feed in unsanitary locations like garbage dumps, sewage systems, and septic tanks. When present, these cockroaches emit a distinctive odor and can contaminate food and surfaces with their feces and body parts. Additionally, they can spread disease by carrying bacteria and germs, and their presence may trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals due to cockroach allergens.
If you notice signs of an American cockroach infestation, seek help from an expert exterminator to address the issue.
