American cockroaches... they’re big, they fly, have six legs and can grow up to 54mm in length or about the width of your average skateboard wheel (shudders in cockroach loathing). 

They usually have a reddish brown colour to them and a distinctive ‘figure of eight’ pattern on the backs of their heads. Whilst their name may suggest they come from America, it’s thought these cockroaches travelled all over the world from Africa in the 1600’s onwards on ships. 

Found in homes and in commercial and industrial premises, these hardy insects like moist, shady areas and you will often find them in wood piles, rotten trees or areas under your home where they can be tucked away and out of sight. 

What do American cockroaches look like?

American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) and are one of the largest species of cockroaches ranging in size from 32-55mm in size. 

They are a reddish brown colour, have six legs, two antennae and a distinctive figure of eight pattern on the backs of their heads. They also have a yellow band that borders the area around their heads.  

Diet and habitat

American cockroaches eat many of the things their cockroach brethren and will happily eat any rotting or decaying matter that’s lying around. Whilst it will eat almost anything, it’s preference is sweet things but isn’t afraid to have a munch on paper, bread, fruit, animal hides and clothing. 

Do American cockroaches carry disease or sickness?

Because American cockroaches prefer dark, moist places, they’re often found in sewers and drains. This puts them right in the pathway of much of the waste that gets flushed or washed away from our homes so their presence in these areas are often associated with public health problems. 

In one scientific study on this particular species (Rust et. al. 1991) researchers found 22 species of pathogenic human bacteria and five species of helminthic worms.

Pest control options for American cockroaches

There are several management methods to control American cockroaches including removing rotting leaves from your backyard, trying to limit moisture in and around your home (fixing leaks or runoff areas) and chemical treatments that kill cockroaches on site.

If you think you may have an American cockroach problem in your home, please feel free to contact Abolish Termite and Pest Management on 07 3882 5351.