American Cockroaches

Behavior and Habitat of American Cockroaches

Although these are outdoor cockroaches, they will migrate inside by crawling or flying into structures. They can also enter through plumbing, especially dried sink and shower traps. Trees or shrubs located alongside buildings, or trees with branches overhanging roofs facilitate the entry of this cockroach into the home. The life cycle of the American cockroach averages about 600 days, and each adult female can produce approximately 150 offspring in her lifetime. Both males and females can fly, although the temperature must be warm and they must get a start from a high location, such as a tree or a tall palm. The American cockroach is omnivorous and will eat almost anything. It prefers sweets and has been observed eating paper, boots, hair, bread, fruit, and other dead insects. The American cockroach is often found residing indoors as well as outdoors. It is found mainly in sewers and drainage systems. They are also found in moist shady areas outdoors, in yards, hollow trees, wood piles, and mulch. Occasionally, American cockroaches are seen under roof shingles and in attics.