American Cockroaches

What are American cockroaches?

American roaches are a very large species of cockroach that have the ability to grow to more than 3 inches in length; however, they usually are between 1 ½ and 2 inches in length. American roaches are dark, reddish brown, and they have a lighter color outlining their body. The American cockroach’s most identifiable feature is a yellowish colored figure-8 pattern behind their head. The female and male American roach both have fully developed wings which sit longer than their body, and they have the ability to fly.

Why do I have them?

American cockroaches are drawn to areas of high humidity; properties that are having moisture problems like leaky pipes, fixtures, or other water leaks are more likely to have problems with American roaches. Inside homes and other buildings, they can often be found living in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, underneath sinks, and inside laundry rooms.

Are they dangerous?

Yes, American cockroaches are very dangerous when they invade your home. They carry a lot of viruses, bacteria, and parasites on their bodies and in their feces which can cause diarrhea, dysentery, salmonella, and other serious health concerns. Also, their shed skins and feces often trigger asthma attacks in people;, especially in young children.

How do I get rid of American cockroaches?

Eliminating American cockroaches from a property can be very difficult; they are nocturnal, breed very quickly, and adapt easily to new environments. To completely eliminate an American cockroach infestation from your property, you need the knowledge and experience of a trained professional. The highly trained exterminators here at American Pest understand the habits and habitats of American roaches and can eliminate them through our Preferred Care residential pest control services. These year-round pest control plans get rid of cockroaches and other common household invaders with regular treatment visits. Call us today to learn more about our Preferred Care plans!

Can I do it myself?

There are many DIY products on the market to “eliminate cockroaches”, but the truth of the matter is that these products are mostly ineffective at completely ridding a property of all the adults, nymphs, and eggs invading it. Leaving just one or two eggs or adults behind will result in a re-infestation. Also, many of the products at big box stores can be very harmful to people and pets if not used or mixed correctly. The best solution to an American cockroach infestation is to contact the cockroach control experts at American Pest; our professionals can eliminate any sized cockroach infestation from Washington, D.C. area properties and keep them from returning.

How soon can you get here?

At American Pest, we pride ourselves on our speed and level of service. For that reason, we make every effort to make sure we can arrive the same or the very next day.

Is the treatment safe?

Every product used by American Pest has first been extensively tested by the EPA and is registered for pest control use. Only then do we apply it following a strict set of guidelines for use around humans and pets.

How can I prevent this in the future?

American cockroaches and cockroaches, in general, are very difficult pests to prevent. They can enter inside many different ways - on their own, in packages, or on people. In addition to putting a year-round pest control plan from American Pest in place, there are some steps that you can take around your home and property to help prevent an American cockroach infestation.

• Install door sweeps on all exterior doors and caulk all gaps around windows and doors, especially ones that lead into the basement.
• Eliminate water sources like leaky pipes, faucets, and fixtures, and make sure that gutters are working properly to direct water away from your home.
• Use air-conditioners or de-humidifiers to reduce humidity levels in your home.
• Store food in air-tight containers or in the refrigerator.
• Quickly clean up spills and crumbs, regularly remove trash from your home, and routinely wash all dirty dishes.