The American Cockroach

The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is so common in the South,

that most people call them Palmetto Bugs! They are the largest of the common species

in North America reaching more than 1-1/2 inches in length

Here are some American Cockroach facts:

• They are reddish-brown with a gold "halo" on the pronotum (as seen above)
• Can live up to 15 months
• Prefer moist shady areas and can live outdoors in Southern areas
• Can lay up to 90 egg capsules, each capsule containing 14-16 eggs
• They have developed wings but do not usually fly, instead they glide from high areas to low
• In Northern areas, this cockroach is closely associated to steam tunnels and areas of high heat, typically found in institutional buildings and meat packing facilities.
• This would be the roach you would encounter in the sewer systems!
• Can survive 2 to 3 months without food and 1 month without water