CREATURE FEATURE

AMERICAN COCKROACH

The American cockroach is the largest pest cockroach in North America, averaging 1½ inches long. It’s also one of the fastest insects on land, capable of running up to 3 miles per hour. Being native to Africa, it is American in name only and was probably introduced to the United States on ships in the early 1600s. As one of the most common cockroaches on ships, it eventually spread to become a worldwide pest.

American cockroaches are peridomestic, meaning they typically live outdoors but will move indoors when conditions are favorable. As pest management professionals know, American cockroaches thrive in high heat and humidity and are commonly found outdoors in tropical and subtropical areas, such as the southeastern US.

In cooler or drier regions, however, American cockroaches are more confined to sewer and drainage systems, which provide the right environment and a food source. When heavy rainfall strikes or populations swell, these cockroaches often find their way into structures, using open pipes or dry drains as highways to higher ground.

Basements and crawlspaces are often invaded from underground sewer systems, and infested items stored there can spread cockroaches to new areas when moved. Controlling infestations early is crucial, as American cockroaches can multiply rapidly and become increasingly difficult to manage. Fortunately, targeted treatments can effectively eliminate these pests and prevent further spread.

Nibor-D Insecticide Foam + IGR is ideal for treating floor and sink drains, as its foam expands into hard-to-reach spaces and its insect growth regulator (IGR) disrupts the cockroach life cycle. Inside structures, American cockroaches gather in warm, humid voids. Temprid Dust is a long-lasting solution for eliminating cockroaches in voids, with its dual-action formula killing them within minutes and continuing to work for years if left dry and undisturbed. While Nibor-D Foam targets cockroaches in drains and hard-to-reach spaces, Temprid Dust complements this by providing long-lasting control in voids where cockroaches gather.

Understanding the habits of the American cockroach and using targeted treatments like Nibor-D Foam + IGR and Temprid Dust allows pest management professionals to eliminate infestations for good while ensuring customer satisfaction. Combining these treatments with preventative measures like sealing open pipes, reducing moisture, and inspecting storage areas can help keep infestations at bay in the long term. By combining thorough inspections, preventative measures, and proven treatments, pest management professionals can stay one step ahead of the resilient American cockroach.