Mailing Address: P.O. Box 567 Bayville, NJ 08721

Types Of Roaches In New Jersey

American Cockroaches

Periplaneta americana

SCHEDULE YOUR SERVICE

What do American cockroaches look like?

American cockroaches are dark reddish-brown with lighter coloring along their edges. Adults can grow to be 1 ½ to 2 inches in length and are easily identified by the yellow or brown figure-8 pattern located behind their heads. Both female and male American cockroaches have fully developed wings but rarely take flight. Commonly known as water bugs, these pests thrive in moist environments and are most often found in sewers. When infesting homes or other buildings, American cockroaches typically target basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and crawl spaces. If you're dealing with an American cockroach infestation, it's crucial to act quickly to protect your property from these resilient pests.

Send Roaches Packing Today!

Leave us a message to get started.

American Cockroaches

What American cockroaches look like

The American cockroach is the largest species of roach that can invade homes, reaching over two inches in length. These pests are typically reddish-brown, with a distinct yellowish figure-eight pattern on the back of their heads. While they have wings and can fly short distances, they often rely on their six legs to get around. Like all roaches, they are oval-shaped and have long antennae.

Where you'll find these roaches

American cockroaches primarily thrive outdoors, but they can easily invade indoor spaces. They prefer warm, moist, or humid environments but can also survive in drier areas as long as they have access to water. Common hiding spots include kitchens, basements, crawl spaces, and even sewers. Unfortunately, these pests often traverse unsanitary areas, including feces and debris in sewers, before making their way into homes and businesses in New Jersey.

New Paragraph

Signs of a American Cockroach Infestation

Four Signs You Might Have an American Cockroach Infestation

Spotting American cockroaches in your home can be alarming. Here are four clear signs to help you identify an infestation:

Seeing the Cockroaches Themselves: American cockroaches are quick and tend to scurry to dark, hidden areas when disturbed. If you spot large, fast-moving cockroaches, especially in dim spaces, this could be a sign of an infestation.
Droppings in Hidden Areas: Cockroach droppings can often be found in the dark places they frequent. American cockroach droppings are small, ridged, and have blunt ends. These droppings are sometimes mistaken for mouse droppings, so it's a good idea to have a pest control professional inspect and identify the source correctly.
Presence of Egg Capsules: American cockroaches lay egg capsules about 8 mm long, which are dark in color. These capsules can be found glued to surfaces close to food sources, often in areas like basements, laundry rooms, kitchens, behind appliances, or underneath cabinets.
Unpleasant Musty Odor: American cockroaches produce a pheromone with a distinct musty smell that some people can detect, especially those with sensitive noses. If you notice an unusual odor in your home, it might be a clue of a hidden infestation.

If you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s best to contact a licensed pest control professional who can confirm and treat the infestation effectively.

American Cockroach Behavior and Prevention

American cockroaches primarily live outdoors, but they often make their way inside buildings. In the Northern U.S., they are commonly found in sewers and drains, and they are actually the most common cockroach species in city sewer systems. It's not unusual to find thousands of them in a single sewer manhole! In the South, these cockroaches tend to live in shady, humid areas like flowerbeds and beneath mulch piles. During the summer, they’re also spotted in backyards and alleys.

When Do They Move Indoors?

American cockroaches will seek shelter indoors if there’s a shortage of food or if the weather changes significantly. They are especially attracted to warm, moist, and dark areas with temperatures between 70°F and 80°F. Cockroaches can enter homes and buildings in several ways:

Human Belongings: They can hitch a ride on bags, boxes, or other belongings.
Sewer Systems and Drains: Cockroaches can travel through drains connected to city sewer systems.
Doors and Windows: Cockroaches can squeeze through gaps under doors, especially if there’s no weather stripping, or enter through basement windows and garages.

Where Are American Cockroaches Most Common Indoors?

American cockroaches are especially drawn to large commercial buildings like restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, and hospitals, where they often infest food storage and preparation areas, basements, boiler rooms, and steam tunnels. In homes, they usually gather in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms, where they can find food and water.

How do I control American cockroaches?

For effective control of American cockroaches, it’s essential to contact a licensed pest control company in your state. While DIY roach control methods may provide temporary relief, they often fail to completely eliminate these persistent pests. The experienced pest control professionals at Resolve Pest Management in New Jersey will thoroughly inspect and treat your home or business for American cockroaches, using proven methods and products designed to effectively combat these "water bugs." Don't let an infestation linger—reach out to us today for a comprehensive solution!

Can I prevent this type of cockroach infestation?

To prevent American cockroaches, it's crucial to eliminate the factors that attract them. Start by removing food sources, addressing moisture issues, and sealing off potential entry points into your home. Additionally, don't hesitate to contact Resolve Pest Management at the first sign of a cockroach problem! Our expert team is ready to help you protect your property from these unwanted pests.