American cockroaches are among the most common and troublesome household pests. They are large, fast moving insects that can reproduce quickly and spread to other areas of a home. Getting rid of an American cockroach infestation requires patience and persistence, as they can be difficult to fully eliminate. However, there are a number of effective control methods that can dramatically reduce their numbers.
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What are American Cockroaches?
The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is the largest species of common cockroach. Adults can grow 1.5 to 2 inches long with reddish-brown coloring and a yellow band around the pronotum (the plate behind the head). They have long, spiny legs and two pairs of wings. However, they rarely fly.
American cockroaches thrive in warm, humid environments. They are especially common in buildings with steam heat, boiler rooms, sewers, and other sources of warmth and moisture. They feed on all kinds of organic matter and can spread germs as they move from filthy areas like drains to food prep surfaces. An infestation often indicates issues with sanitation.
If you spot adult cockroaches, there are likely more hatching egg cases and developing nymphs hidden from view. Females produce egg capsules containing 16 eggs on average. Nymphs molt through about 6 instars over 2-3 months before reaching reproductive maturity.
Left unchecked, a population can rapidly expand. Seeing them during the day or outside usual habitat areas generally means the infestation is severe. Getting rid of them requires removing food sources, moisture, and hiding places.
Sanitation
The first line of defense against American cockroaches is sanitation. Good sanitation limits food, water sources, and access to entry points. Specific actions include:
– Regularly cleaning counters, floors, grease traps, drains, pipes, etc. Pay attention to spaces around appliances.
– Eliminating plumbing leaks and other moisture sources.
– Sealing cracks and crevices where pipes and utilities enter walls.
– Storing food properly in sealed containers.
– Keeping trash in sealed bins and taking it out frequently.
– Fixing dripping taps and pipes. Don’t let water accumulate anywhere.
– Cleaning up spills and crumbs right away. Roaches can survive on tiny food particles.
– Setting drain traps to prevent sewer roaches from entering.
– Removing piles of paper bags, debris, etc. that provide hiding spots.
– Vacuuming thoroughly to remove eggs and droppings.
Reducing clutter is also important. The fewer places for cockroaches to hide and breed, the faster your control efforts will work. Keeping things clean, dry, and tidy is an ongoing process. Continue sanitation as part of your integrated pest management plan.
Insecticides
Insecticide sprays and baits can be used along with sanitation to control American cockroaches. The goal is to kill off adults while also preventing hatching and maturation of younger insects:
Sprays
Sprays create a toxic barrier on surfaces where roaches travel. This causes direct contact mortality as they traverse treated areas. Recommended ingredients include:
– Pyrethroids like deltamethrin, cyfluthrin, or permethrin
– Phosphates like propoxur
– Carbamates like bendiocarb
Be sure to apply sprays in out-of-sight areas like cracks and crevices behind appliances, under sinks, around plumbing pipes, etc. Reapply every 1-2 weeks initially.
Baits and traps
Baits use insecticide formulations combined with food attractants. Bait stations can eliminate roaches over time by delivering a lethal dose that gets taken back to nesting sites. Look for baits containing:
– Hydramethylnon
– Abamectin
– Fipronil
– Boric acid (slower acting but effective)
Place many small bait amounts in different locations rather than fewer large amounts. Hide them in secluded spots away from competing food sources.
Sticky traps are another option for monitoring activity and catching some adults. Respond quickly if traps show roaches are still present.
Dusts
Insecticide dusts like CimeXa applied into wall voids and little-used areas can help kill roaches as they crawl through treatment zones. The fine particles cling to their exoskeleton and gradually cause dehydration and death. Focus on cracks, crevices, gaps around fixtures/pipes, and hidden spot like above cabinets or under appliances.
Selecting and using insecticides
When purchasing insecticide products:
– Ensure they are specifically labeled for American cockroaches.
– Avoid all-natural or eco-friendly products; roaches are resistant to most botanical ingredients. Products containing synthetic insecticides are necessary.
– Consult a licensed exterminator if unsure which chemicals to use.
Carefully follow all label directions regarding protective equipment, ventilation, application method, re-entry intervals, and placement guidelines. Never use outdoor formulas indoors due to toxicity risks. Only apply the small amounts needed; don’t overdo it.
Integrate insecticides with sanitation tactics for best effectiveness. Be patient and persistent. It can take weeks or months to fully resolve a serious roach problem. Contact a pest control professional if you don’t see substantial reductions after diligent efforts.
Prevention
Once you get an American cockroach infestation under control, take steps to prevent future invaders:
– Caulk and seal all potential entryways such as cracks around windows, pipes, vents, etc.
– Install door sweeps under exterior doors and screens over vents, chimneys, etc.
– Keep vegetation, mulch, and debris at least 3 feet away from foundation walls.
– Move firewood, debris, and storage boxes off the ground.
– Address moisture issues like leaks and improve ventilation in damp areas.
– Store pet food in sealed containers and clean up spills promptly.
– Take out trash and recycling regularly. Rinse containers before recycling.
– Vacuum and clean throughout the home, especially around pet areas and food prep zones.
– Inspect packages, produce, and secondhand furnishings for roaches before bringing them inside.
– Consider professional pesticide applications in spring and fall as preventive measures.
Continuous diligence helps limit sources of food, water, and entry access for American cockroaches. Contact an exterminator at the first sign of problems to prevent major headaches down the line. With persistence and thoroughness, you can reclaim a cockroach-free home.
Professional Treatment
Severe or difficult American cockroach cases may require professional pest control. Exterminators have access to stronger insecticides and application techniques that deliver more complete results.
Insecticide choices
Professionals frequently use:
– Broad-spectrum pyrethroids for fast knockdown.
– Neonicotinoids like imidacloprid with longer residual effects.
– Insect growth regulators (IGRs) like hydroprene that prevent nymphs from maturing.
– Combined formulas using multiple active ingredients.
– Dusts applied deep into wall voids and inaccessible spaces.
They know which chemicals work best for stubborn infestations. Over-the-counter products likely won’t have sufficient strength.
Application methods
Technicians have equipment and expertise to apply insecticides:
– In cracks, crevices, under appliances, inside cabinet voids, around plumbing pipes, etc. Areas individuals can’t access.
– As broad sprays, dusts, or fogs to penetrate deep harborage spots.
– In attics, subflooring, wall voids, crawl spaces, basements, etc.
– On building exteriors around potential entry points.
– In sewer and drain systems.
Thorough treatment is key. Exterminators know where to target applications for maximum impact.
Follow-up visits
A single pest control visit won’t solve a widespread problem. Success requires multiple follow-up treatments to:
– Hit newly hatched nymphs before they mature and breed.
– Reapply insecticides as effectiveness decreases over time.
– Spot treat areas with continued activity.
– Continually reduce emerging generations until eliminated.
Professionals schedule follow-up treatments accordingly. Expect at least 3-6 visits spaced 2-4 weeks apart. Severe cases may need visits for many months until roaches are gone.
Don’t expect overnight miracles. Eliminating American roaches takes patience and persistence even with professional help. But utilizing pesticide strengths and application expertise improves the odds of long-term success.
Home Remedies
Numerous home remedies using common household items are said to repel or kill cockroaches:
Boric acid – Fine boric acid powder puffed into wall voids and hidden spaces is toxic when groomed off their bodies. Use sparingly.
Diatomaceous earth – The sharp edges of this chalky powder can abrade and damage their exoskeletons. Dust it into cracks and crevices.
Catnip – This mint plant contains nepetalactone which can repel roaches. Place leaves or extract near potential entryways.
Bay leaves – The strong scent drives roaches away. Scatter whole leaves in problematic zones.
Cucumber peel – Contains bitter cucurbitacins. Leave peels in areas of activity.
Peppermint oil – The strong aroma repels roaches. Use a few drops on cotton balls near problem sites.
Coffee grounds – Used grounds create an unappealing texture. Spread near entry points.
Talcum powder – The fine dust irritates their breathing membranes. Sprinkle in hidden areas.
Chalk – Draw chalk lines where roaches traverse. The calcium carbonate irritates their feet.
Petroleum jelly – Coat jars lids or areas you don’t want them traversing. Greasy barrier helps stop movement.
Aluminum foil – Shiny surface and crunchy texture deters roaches. Crush up pieces and spread out.
Home remedies may help repel and reduce small numbers of roaches. However, heavily infested homes usually require stronger insecticides for adequate control. Use natural treatments to supplement more potent products.
American Cockroach FAQs
Are American cockroaches dangerous?
While not directly dangerous, they can spread bacteria like salmonella and E. coli by traversing unsanitary areas. Allergies to their shed skins and waste may develop over time in sensitive individuals. They also emit an unpleasant odor.
Do American cockroaches bite?
They are not aggressive, but can bite if handled carelessly. Their bite is not venomous or medically significant.
Where do American cockroaches come from?
They originate from tropical Africa and first spread via trade ships. Today, infestations often arise from populations in drains, sewers, steam tunnels, and structural voids.
What do American cockroaches eat?
They eat all types of organic matter including garbage, plant debris, crumbs, glue, grease, soap, and book bindings. Anything is potential food.
How fast can American cockroaches run?
They can sprint up to 3 miles per hour, around 50 body lengths per second. Their powerful legs and streamlined bodies make them very rapid runners.
What eats American cockroaches?
Natural predators include frogs, lizards, rats, mice, birds, spiders, centipedes, and predatory insects. However, their high reproductive rate allows them to thrive despite predators.
What kills American cockroaches instantly?
None will die immediately, but fast-acting professional grade insecticides containing pyrethroids or organophosphates provide quick knockdown. Multiple applications are still needed.
How long can American cockroaches live without food?
They can survive around a month without food. Some reports indicate they could last over 40 days of starvation. They are highly resilient.
How long can American cockroaches live without water?
They require constant access to water sources and die of dehydration within about 7-10 days without it. Preventing water access helps control infestations.
Conclusion
American cockroaches can be challenging pests to eliminate. They reproduce rapidly, run fast, and resiliently tolerate harsh conditions. Getting rid of them requires diligent sanitation practices, targeted use of effective insecticides, and persistence. Seal up entry points and continue control efforts until satisfied the infestation is gone. Consider involving a pest management professional for difficult cases. With a multi-pronged approach, you can reclaim an American cockroach-free home.