Physical Characteristics

The adult American cockroach, also known as the palmetto bug, ranges from 1 3/8 to 2 1/8 inches long. It is the largest of the domestic cockroach pests. Its body is oval in shape and reddish brown, and its head is pale brown to yellowish in color.

American-Cockroach

American Cockroach

Behavior

The American cockroach can gain access via drains, coming up through sewer systems. It’s much more common in restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores food-processing plants and hospitals than it is in residences. The American cockroach is not only a nuisance but has been known to be a vector (disease carrier). Its favorite food is the fermenting kind, like rotting fruits and vegetables.

Treatment

Controlling cockroaches comes down to exclusion – preventing them from entering by blocking potential entry points, and inspecting what you bring into your house for roaches or egg casings. Good sanitation is also important: Clean up food and water that could attract roaches, and reduce their harborage by eliminating clutter. If you think you have a roach problem, your Clark technician can determine the best course of action to remove them from your environment.

Latin name: Periplaneta americana