Cockroaches have been around since the time of dinosaurs!

A cockroach can live almost a month without food.

A cockroach can live about two weeks without water.

Some female cockroaches only mate once and stay pregnant for life!

A cockroach can live for up to one week without its head!

Cockroaches can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes!

Cockroaches can run up to 3 miles an hour.

Cockroaches have been around for millions of years, evolving into some of the most adaptable pests on Earth. There are approximately 4,000 living species of cockroaches in the world. About 70 of these species are found in the United States.

Cockroaches are commonly found in buildings and homes because they prefer warm environments close to food and water. Unfortunately, cockroaches can cause allergies and trigger asthma attacks, especially in children. They can also spread nearly 33 different kinds of bacteria.

American Cockroaches

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American Cockroaches

The American cockroach is the largest cockroach found in houses. Despite its name, the American cockroach is not native to North America, but was likely introduced via ships from Africa in the 1600s.

Females can hatch up to 150 offspring per year. Cockroaches don’t get their wings until the become adults.

Size: 2″

Shape: Oval

Color: Reddish-brown, with a yellowish figure 8 pattern on the back of the head

Legs: 6

Wings: Yes

Antenna: Yes

Common Name: American cockroach

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Dictyoptera

Family: Blattidae

Species: Periplaneta americana

Diet:American cockroaches will eat just about anything, including plants and other insects.

Habitat:American cockroaches prefer to live in warm, dark, wet areas, like sewers and basements. They often enter structures through drains and pipes. Although American cockroaches can be found in homes, they are also common in larger commercial buildings, such as restaurants, grocery stores and hospitals.

Impact:Cockroaches crawl through dirty areas and then walk around our homes tracking in lots of bacteria and germs. They can contaminate food by shedding their skins. Their cast off skin and waste byproducts are allergens that can trigger allergic reactions, asthma and other illnesses, especially in children.

Prevention:

Keep cooking, eating and food storage areas clean and dry.

If you see cockroaches, it is best to call a pest management professional due to the illnesses they can spread.