american cockroach along a basement wall

From their name, you might think American cockroaches are from here, but the truth is they are native to Africa and most likely brought over on ships. Now, they are the largest home-invading cockroach species in North America, and the Hudson Valley area is no exception to this.

American cockroaches, like other species, have an oval-shaped body, six legs, and antennae. They are a reddish-brown color with a yellowish figure-eight pattern on the back of their head and grow between one and one and a half to two inches long. While they have wings, American cockroaches can only fly short distances and prefer to crawl, which they can do up to three miles an hour at top speed.

While the most obvious sign of an American cockroach infestation is seeing the pest itself, this is often not the first indication as cockroaches are nocturnal and good at hiding. The first signs of an infestation usually include:

Droppings: Coffee ground or pepper-like usually found underneath appliances, on countertops, and inside pantries and cabinets
Egg Cases: Which are brown, oblong, and nearly translucent. Eggs can usually be found behind furniture, in books, and inside cabinets.
Odor: A musty smell can be attributed to a cockroach infestation, especially a severe one.

This species is known as a palmetto bug or a water bug in some parts of the country. No matter what you call it, this pest is dangerous. If you see any of these signs or want to keep your Hudson Valley home from getting to this point, you should understand the dangers and difficulties of an American cockroach infestation.

The Dangers Of American Cockroaches

American cockroaches, like other species, are dangerous. While this species doesn’t bite and can’t cause physical harm, they are known to spread diseases and trigger asthma and allergies. American cockroaches can spread E. coli, salmonella, dysentery, cholera, giardia, leprosy, listeriosis, and more.

From contaminating food and surfaces to causing home damage, cockroaches are bad news, and an infestation in any home should not be taken lightly.

The Problems Getting Rid Of American Cockroaches

Cockroach infestations can quickly happen if there is access to food sources and available entry points. Unfortunately, getting rid of an infestation is not as easy. American cockroaches are challenging to get rid of because:

They prolific reproducers
They aren’t picky eaters and can live off just about anything they find in your home.
Have strong immune systems
Are increasingly more resistant to conventional pesticides
Can live up to a month without food, a week without water, and a week without their head

Because they are so challenging to get rid of, you shouldn’t try to do it yourself. Instead, you should call the professionals at Pestmaster® Services. With professional expertise and a comprehensive pest control process that includes inspection, treatment, and follow-up, your home can be cockroach-free. Guard your Hudson Valley home against this pest with the assistance of Pestmaster® Services.

The Reasons American Cockroaches Infest

American cockroaches are attracted to a property when there is easy access to food and a way inside. You can reduce the possibilities of an infestation from happening by:

Removing Entry Points: Inspect and seal the foundation and exterior walls of your home, use screens on all exterior doors and windows, and fill in any other potential gaps.
Removing Food Sources: Store open food in air-tight containers, sweep and clean to remove crumbs and spills immediately, and don’t leave pet food and dirty dishes out overnight.

It would help if you also reduced moisture on your property to help keep cockroaches away. Don’t forget to call Pestmaster® Services to keep your home safe against American cockroaches with eco-friendly home and commercial pest control treatments and prevention plans, or contact us online.