Things Frisco Homeowners Should Know About American Cockroaches

Whether you call them water bugs, palmetto bugs, or Bombay canaries, American cockroaches are common pests and the largest type of roaches in the world. Despite the name, these pests are not actually native to North America. They were first thought to have been brought over on ships from Africa in the early 1600s. American cockroaches have nonetheless become some of the most formidable and pervasive pests to have to deal with in the United States.

American Cockroach Traits

Knowing what they look like and why they are such nuisances are important in solving any pest problem. American cockroaches are notoriously fast, with legs that can propel them much faster than a typical insect. Some have been recorded at speeds of nearly 4 mph, which is faster than the average human walks, even with our much longer legs.

American cockroaches can flatten their bodies, allowing them to squeeze into spaces that are much smaller than their normal size. This makes them deft home invaders and makes the job of preventing them from getting in even harder. Some other American cockroach traits are:

Size: They are the largest variety of cockroaches and can typically grow to over an inch in length, with wings that extend beyond the ends of their bodies.

Color: American cockroaches are typically brown or reddish in color, with golden hairs or bristles all over their bodies. They are distinguishable from other varieties by the yellow “figure 8” shape right on top of their heads.

Shape: Cockroaches are typically ovular, with six legs and long antennae that stick out of the tops of their heads.