Order: Blattodea

Family: Blattidae

The American Cockroach is also referred to as a "Bombay Canary" or a "Palmettobug". Although the name connotes this species is native to the United States, it is thought that this pest was brought to America by ships from Africa. This cockroach is found throughout the world.

Description: Adult American Cockroaches are large at approximately 1 3/8-2-1/8 inches long. Their color is reddish brown. Both sexes have wings that completely cover the abdomen and they can be good fliers.

Biology: The mature female will produce approximately 800 eggs during her lifetime. Developmental time from egg to adult is about one year and its lifespan can range from one to three years.

Habits: Although American cockroaches can be found in homes, they are more likely found in commercial settings such as grocery stores, hospitals, restaurants, prisons, or food processing plants. These pests prefer warm, moist places and can be found by the thousands depending on the environmental conditions. American cockroaches can gain access to structures via the sewer system or through a mass migration during the warmer months.