ROACH FACTS
- Roaches can go without eating for a month.
- They can run up to three miles in an hour.
- A coach roach can hold its breath for up to 40 minutes.
- Favorite food is the glue on envelopes and the back of books and postage stamps.
Roaches
 | Smokeybrown Cockroach Periplaneta fuliginosa (Serville)Closely related to the American cockroach in both habits and appearance, the smokeybrown cockroach is slightly smaller (1" to 1¼"), and colored a uniformly dark mahogany. Both the male and female have fully developed wings covering the entire abdomen. They are both excellent fliers. Most commonly found in the southern states, from the East Coast to Central Texas; they have been found in several northern states, usually confined to greenhouses and other warm, moist areas. This roach becomes a particular nuisance when it enters the home or other structures. Nymphs and adults will enter a structure in fire wood or anything else that has been stored outside. They also enter through the cracks and crevices around doors and windows. Since these roaches are excellent fliers, they often land on roofs and gutters and eventually gain access. Moving in and out as individuals to forage for food makes control of this pest a special problem |
 | Oriental Cockroach Blatta orientalis (Linnaeus)Also referred to as the "water bug", "black beetle" and "shad roach", the Oriental cockroach is found throughout the United States. Nymphs and adults alike are found associated with decaying organic matter indoors and out. They are usually found at or below ground level in yards, beneath leaves, in dumps, in the mulch of flower beds and in high moisture situations such as sewers, drains and dark, damp basements. In many areas, this cockroach spends a considerable amount of time outdoors during warm weather; however, during drought or unseasonably cool periods a mass movement into structures is expected. Likewise, during colder weather, indoor group movement can occur due to uneven interior heating conditions. |
 | German Cockroach Blatella germanica (Linnaeus)The German cockroach is by far the most important and usually the most common of the cockroaches. In addition to being a nuisance, it has been implicated in outbreaks of illness, the transmission of a variety of pathogenic organisms, and allergic reactions in many people. This species has worldwide distribution. German cockroaches are found throughout structures but show a preference for warm (70°F/21°C) and humid places. They are usually found in kitchens and bathrooms, but infestations often occur in rooms where people eat and drink while watching television such as the den, bedroom, etc. Any crack or crevice located near a source of food and/or water is prime harborage. German cockroaches are most commonly introduced into buildings by way of paper products or packaging, such a grocery bags, drink cartons, cardboard boxes, and also by way of secondhand appliances such as refrigerators, televisions, VCRs, microwaves, etc. They feed on almost anything with nutritive value -- all kinds of foods, and such things as soap, glue and toothpaste. |
 | American Cockroach Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus)Commonly referred to as the water bug, Palmetto bug, Bombay canary or flying water bug, the American cockroach is usually found in more or less open, dark, moist areas as opposed to cracks and crevices. Their presence is marked by cast skins and large fecal droppings. Commonly found in large colonies, sometimes numbering several thousands in sewers, septic tanks, grease traps, damp basements, beneath the metal covers of large sump pumps in boiler rooms, under piles of rubbish in urban areas, in and around steam heat tunnels, in alleyways, yards, hollow trees and palm trees. It has been reported that this insect has been seen flying, primarily in the South. Though the adults have well-developed wings, their ability to actually fly is questionable. However, they are capable of gliding long distances and will cover considerable distances if they take off from a tree or roof top. This cockroach feeds on a variety of foods but prefers decaying organic matter. It will also feed upon book bindings, manuscripts, clothing and glossy paper with starch sizing. Syrup and other sweets are attractive also. |