The sight of a cockroach in your home or business can be alarming because it almost certainly means there are more of these insects that you can’t see. American cockroaches are not only a nuisance — but they are also harmful to human health, capable of food contamination that can quickly spread serious illness through bacteria and parasites. They are also carriers of many types of diseases

The cockroach is an omnivore, meaning that it will eat almost anything it can get. In addition to the food they prefer, which includes meat along with anything starchy or sugary, cockroaches will eat paper, books, and hair. American cockroaches will eat any of these items, but largely prefer decaying matter such as garbage.

If you have a cockroach infestation, pest control services are vital to stopping the problem.

What Does the American Cockroach Look Like?

American cockroaches are among the largest insects that infest homes and buildings. These bugs are oval-shaped and reddish-brown, with yellow bands that roughly resemble a figure-eight just behind the head. They are six-legged and around 35 to 40 mm in length, although some may grow to over 50 mm. Both males and female American cockroaches have wings.

Where are American Cockroaches Found?

American cockroaches are found throughout North America, including Ontario. These insects look for humid, moist environments and will often gather in sewers or drains, basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, food preparation areas, storage areas, steam tunnels, boiler rooms, and landscaping.

Infestations are most common during warm weather, particularly spring and summer. You are most likely to see cockroaches in your home or business at night, as they are nocturnal insects.

Are American Cockroaches Invasive?

These insects prefer to live outdoors, but American cockroaches will seek indoor shelter if there is an easy way inside and/or a ready food supply available. They will also head inside if there are environmental changes or food shortages.

Can American Cockroaches Fly?

Yes, they can fly for short distances. Typically, American cockroaches prefer to run, as they can move very fast, but will fly if startled.

Are American Cockroaches Attracted to Light?

American cockroaches will often “scatter” from light if they are startled by a light suddenly turning on. They also tend to prefer dark places but are not harmed by light.

Do American Cockroaches Bite?

These insects can bite but rarely do so. They may bite when threatened. In very rare instances, such as in large infestations of cockroaches where food has become scarce for the population, they may bite to feed.

Can American Cockroaches Climb Walls?

Yes, they can climb walls and walk across ceilings. Cockroaches can navigate nearly any surface.

Contact ASAP Pest Control to Rid Your Home or Business from Cockroaches

Cockroach infestations are a challenging problem for any home or business, and steps must be taken to not only exterminate the current population, including all adults and eggs but also ensure that these pests can’t regain a foothold. Our Residential Pest Control and Commercial Pest Control solutions provide you with a customized program designed to make sure cockroaches stay out for good.

Give us a call today to learn more about our Cockroach Extermination Services for your evaluation and tailored pest control services, and we’ll help you rid your home or business of harmful pests like cockroaches.