American Roaches Identification Guide
Periplaneta americana
American roaches are the largest roaches found in homes, growing up to 2 inches long. They are reddish-brown with a yellowish pattern behind the head. They like warm, damp places like basements and crawl spaces.
Taxonomy
American Roaches Coloration
Common color patterns to help identify american roaches
American Roaches
Seasonal Activity
When american roaches are most active throughout the year
Where American Roaches Are Found
Hover over states to see their names. Green regions indicate where american roaches have been reported.
American Roaches Identification Guide
Physical Characteristics
American roaches are reddish-brown with a yellowish figure-eight pattern behind their heads. They are the largest common roach species in homes. Adults can grow up to 2 inches long.
These roaches have long antennae and fully developed wings. They can glide short distances but prefer to run. You will most often find them in basements, crawl spaces, and kitchens where it is warm and humid.
Common Species
Periplaneta americana (American Cockroach)
American Roaches Behavior and Biology
American roaches prefer warm, damp areas. You will find them in sewers, drains, and basements. They eat almost anything, including decaying matter, food scraps, paper, and fabric.
These pests breed quickly. A single female can produce over 150 offspring in her lifetime. They are active at night when they search for food and water.
Health Risks
American roaches can carry harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. They spread germs by crawling on food and kitchen surfaces. Their droppings and shed skin can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms.
Note: This information is for educational purposes only. If you have health concerns related to pest exposure, please consult a medical professional.
How We Treat for American Roaches
Our technicians inspect basements, crawl spaces, and damp areas for signs of activity. We look for droppings and live roaches to find where they hide.
Our treatment process includes:
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Inspection: We find entry points, moisture problems, and hiding spots.
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Treatment: We apply insecticides inside and outside your home. This targets cracks, crevices, baseboards, and entry points.
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Moisture Control: We suggest ways to reduce humidity and fix leaks. Sealing cracks around pipes and drains also helps.
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Ongoing Prevention: Regular treatments keep roach numbers down over time.
References
- University of Florida IFAS Extension. “American Cockroach.” https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/roaches/american_cockroach.htm
- Penn State Extension. “American Cockroaches.” https://extension.psu.edu/american-cockroaches
- CDC. “Cockroaches.” https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/pests/
Other Cockroaches
Explore other species in the cockroaches family
Commonly Confused With
American Roaches are often mistaken for these similar pests
Where American Roaches Are Found
Hover over states to see their names. Green regions indicate where american roaches have been reported.
Common Questions about American Roaches
How do American roaches get inside my home?
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They enter through cracks in walls, gaps around doors and windows, or through drains. They can also come in with boxes and bags.
Are American roaches dangerous?
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Yes. They carry bacteria that can make you sick. Their droppings can trigger allergies and asthma.
Can American roaches fly?
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They have wings but mostly just glide. They prefer to run.
How long does it take to get rid of American roaches?
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It takes a few treatments over several weeks. Our service plans keep them away long-term.
What should I do to prevent American roaches?
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Fix leaks, seal cracks, store food in sealed containers, and get regular pest control service.
More Resources About American Roaches
Explore our guides and articles for more information about american roaches.
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With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that's been protecting homes for over 57 years. He manages and trains a team of service pros while also leading internal research efforts—recently spearheading a deep-dive review of thousands of documents on pest control materials to hand-pick the most kid and pet friendly, most effective solutions tailored specifically for homes in the DC metro area.