Pest ID Learn about the pests that impact homes and businesses across Central Massachusetts.

Worcester Pest Identification: American Roaches

Recognizing & Controlling American Cockroaches Serving Central Massachusetts

The American cockroach is the largest of the common cockroaches, measuring on average 4 cm in length. It occurs in buildings throughout New England, especially in commercial buildings. The American cockroach is rarely found in homes. In the northern United States, the cockroach is mainly found in steam heat tunnels or large institutional buildings. The American cockroach is second only to the German cockroach in abundance.

Eggs: Females of the American cockroach lay their eggs in a hardened, purse-shaped egg case called an ootheca. Nymph: The first instar American cockroach is white immediately after hatching, then becomes a grayish brown. Wings are not present in the nymph stages, and wing pads become noticeable in the third or fourth instar. Complete development from egg to adult is about 600 days. The nymphs as well as the adults actively forage for food and water.

American cockroaches can become a public health problem due to their association with human waste and disease and their ability to move from sewers into homes and commercial establishments. Cockroaches are also aesthetically displeasing because they can soil items with their excrement and regurgitation.

Insecticides are very helpful in ridding a building of these pests. It is important that the professional you hire is familiar with these roaches to successfully rid the building of them.

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