American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)

The American cockroach is the largest of the cockroaches found in the UK. They are most commonly found in restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, breweries, pet shops and other establishments where food is prepared or stored. They are often found in damp sewers and basements and in heating ducts under hospitals.

Identification:
Adult American cockroaches are reddish-brown to dark brown (except for a tan or light yellow band around the shield behind the head) 25 – 40mm in length, and have wings capable of flight. Males and females are about the same size. The wings are about the same length as the body in the females and longer in the males. Females have a broader abdomen. Nymphs are wingless, uniformly brown colour.

Biology:
American cockroach females deposit their eggs in cases (oothecae) in sheltered areas on or near the floor, usually close to a food source. Egg capsules protrude from the body for a few hours to four days. One egg capsule is formed each week until 6 to 14 have been produced. Each case contains up to 16 white or yellowish-white eggs. Eggs hatch between 5 to 7 weeks, first into whitish-brown nymphs, later turning more reddish-brown. Development to adult averages about 15 months, varying between 9.5 to 20 months. Adults live almost 15 months, feeding on decaying organic matter. Many are attracted to fermenting liquid.

Control:
Effective treatment depends upon the selection and thorough application of a suitable insecticide gel bait. Many insects and egg cases are well hidden; therefore, the insecticide gel must be placed at and around these harbourages and maintained over the developmental period of the particular species. To control an infestation the insecticide should ideally persist until all egg cases have hatched but continued immigration may demand routine treatments. A high standard of hygiene is important in the control of cockroaches and involves the following components: Deny access to food and water Deny access to harbourages in buildings or equipment. Practice improved hygiene Monitoring of incoming materials including packaging and laundry.

Products to control American Cockroach: