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American Cockroach - Periplaneta Americana

The American cockroach is one of the hardiest species of cockroaches. Unlike most other cockroach species, the American cockroach can fly and is also attracted to light.

Characteristics

Size: up to 2 inches long.
Color: reddish brown with a yellowish margin on the body behind the head.

The American cockroach is the largest cockroach that infests buildings in Cyprus. This insect may be recognized by a yellow pattern on the shield at the front of its body. In Florida, the American cockroach is called the "palmetto bug," and it has the nickname "water bug" throughout the United States.

Behavior
Like all cockroaches, it is omnivorous and will eat virtually anything people will and many things we won't. When disturbed may run rabidly and adults may fly.

Habitat
This cockroach thrives in warm, damp environments, such as sewers, steam tunnels, basements, crawlspaces, and boiler rooms. They can also survive in dry in areas if there is access to water. They cannot tolerate cold temperatures. Very difficult to control

Life Cycle
Females produce egg cases and carry them protruding from the tip of the abdomen for about two days. Egg cases are then generally placed on a surface in a hidden location. Egg cases are 3/8 inch long, brown, and purse shaped. Immature cockroaches emerge from egg cases in 6 to 8 weeks and require 6 to 12 months to mature. Adult cockroaches can live up to one year, during which females produce an average of 150 young.

Problems
Due to the large size and slow development of American cockroaches, large infestations of these insects are not common within houses. However, during certain times of the year, these cockroaches may move inside a house from outside sources. For example, in winter these cockroaches may move indoors, seeking warmer temperatures and food. Cockroaches may enter houses via sewer connections, under doors, around utility pipes, air ducts, or other openings in the foundation.