American Cockroaches
What is An American Cockroach?
The American cockroach is the largest of the house-infesting roaches and a major pest in the United States. It’s also commonly known as the water bug, the Bombay canary or the palmetto bug. Despite its name, the American cockroach is not native to North America and some evidence suggested that American cockroaches were introduced via ships from Africa in the early 1600s.
American Cockroaches Identification
- Color: American cockroaches are typically reddish-brown with a yellowish figure 8 pattern on the back of the head.
- Size: Adults may range between 1 1/4” to 2 1/8” (32-54 mm)
- Legs: 6
- Antennae: Yes
- Shape: Oval
- Region: American cockroaches are found worldwide
What Do American Cockroaches Look Like?
Adult American cockroaches average between 1.4” to 1.6” (35-41mm) in length, but they can grow to exceed 2”. American cockroaches are reddish-brown in color with a yellow band that outlines the area behind their head. Both males and females have wings and can fly short distances.