What Do American Cockroaches Look Like?
The American cockroach is the largest house-infesting cockroach in Wisconsin, measuring up to 2 inches in length. These cockroaches have flat, reddish-brown bodies with a yellow band on the back of their heads. Both males and females have wings and can fly short distances. They have six spiny legs and two long antennae. Despite its name, these roaches are found all over the world. The American cockroach is also commonly known as the water bug or palmetto bug.
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What are the Signs of an American Cockroach Infestation?
American cockroaches primarily live outdoors in warm, damp areas like sewers, drains, flowerbeds, pools, mulch, and woodpiles. These pests enter homes in search of food, moisture, and shelter. They typically make their way indoors through cracks in the foundation, poorly sealed doors, or utility lines. American cockroaches are commonly found in basements, kitchens, laundry rooms, and boiler rooms.
Seeing a Cockroach
American cockroaches are nocturnal, so you’ll most likely spot them at night. These insects are sensitive to light and will immediately scurry into a dark crevice when a light is turned on. If you happen to spot a cockroach, there is a good possibility that there may be more present. American cockroaches are social insects that live in groups.
Cockroach Droppings
American cockroach droppings look like small black grains of rice. The droppings are often mistaken for mouse droppings. However, American cockroach droppings have ridges on the sides and blunt ends, while mouse droppings have pointed ends with traces of hair.
Cockroach Eggs
American cockroaches produce a protective egg sac called an ootheca. The egg sac is encased in a hard protective casing shaped like a bean. Their egg capsules are roughly 1/3 inches long and are dark red or brown in color. Each ootheca holds about 14 to 16 eggs. On average, a female American cockroach will produce 21 egg capsules in her lifetime, which equates to over 300 nymphs. The egg cases are commonly found under cabinets or behind appliances in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
Cockroach Odor
American cockroaches produce a chemical called an “aggregation pheromone.” The roaches congregate in groups due to the smell of this chemical, which gives off a “musty” smell. As the cockroach population starts to grow, people may begin to notice this odor.
Are American Cockroaches Dangerous?
American cockroaches are filthy pests that spread disease, contaminate food, and cause allergic reactions. They breed and feed in unsanitary places like garbage, sewage systems, and septic tanks. These pests can contaminate food, cooking surfaces, and utensils with harmful bacteria and disease-causing organisms on their legs and bodies.
American Cockroach Control in Milwaukee, WI
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