What are American Cockroaches?

American cockroaches are one of the largest cockroach species found in homes and commercial properties. Adults can grow up to 50 millimeters in length and are reddish-brown with a distinctive yellowish pattern behind their heads. Despite their name, they are found worldwide and are highly adaptable to human environments. They are strong fliers and fast runners, often alarming people when spotted indoors. American cockroaches prefer warm, damp environments and are commonly found in basements, sewers, boiler rooms, and commercial kitchens.

Signs of American Cockroach Infestation

If you are searching for signs of American cockroach infestation, here are the most common indicators:

• Large reddish-brown cockroaches seen scurrying across floors, especially at night
• A musty or oily odor in areas with heavy infestations
• Shed skins or egg cases (oothecae) found in dark, damp places
• Cockroach droppings resembling black pepper or coffee grounds
• Sightings near drains, pipes, or food storage areas

Why They are a Problem

American cockroaches are more than a nuisance pest. They contaminate food, utensils, and surfaces as they move through garbage, drains, and sewers. Their droppings, shed skins, and saliva can trigger asthma and allergies, especially in children. These pests are known carriers of bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to food poisoning or gastrointestinal illness. Infestations spread quickly, and because cockroaches are nocturnal and hide in hard-to-reach areas, they often go unnoticed until the population is large.

Where Do They Come From?

American cockroaches usually enter buildings from outdoor environments or sewer systems. They can crawl through cracks in foundations, gaps around utility lines, or open drains. They are attracted to food, moisture, and warmth, which makes kitchens, basements, and boiler rooms prime locations for infestations. In commercial properties, they often spread through shared plumbing and utility systems, making multi-unit buildings especially vulnerable.

How to Get Rid of American Cockroaches at Home

If you are looking for how to get rid of American cockroaches, here are some safe steps you can try:

• Keep food sealed in airtight containers and clean up spills quickly
• Eliminate water sources by fixing leaky pipes and sealing drains at night
• Remove clutter such as cardboard boxes and stacks of paper where cockroaches can hide
• Vacuum regularly to remove food crumbs and cockroach debris
• Place bait stations or gel baits in areas where activity is noticed
• Seal cracks and crevices around doors, windows, and foundations to block entry points

These steps can reduce activity, but because American cockroaches reproduce quickly and hide in difficult-to-reach areas, professional treatment is usually required for complete elimination.

American Cockroaches vs German Cockroaches

Many homeowners compare American cockroaches vs German cockroaches because both are common indoor pests. The differences are:

• American cockroaches are larger, reddish-brown, and strong fliers, while German cockroaches are smaller, tan to light brown, and rarely fly.
• American cockroaches prefer basements, sewers, and large commercial kitchens, while German cockroaches are usually found in residential kitchens and bathrooms.
• German cockroach infestations often grow faster due to their higher reproductive rate.

How We Can Help

At Go Away Pest & Wildlife Control, we specialize in eliminating American cockroach infestations. Our technicians identify nesting sites, apply targeted treatments, and implement long-term prevention strategies tailored to your property. We use safe and effective methods designed to eliminate cockroaches at all life stages while minimizing risks to your family, pets, or business operations. With our expertise, you can restore a clean, safe, and pest-free environment.