Overview and Life Cycle

The basics: Cockroaches have six legs, wings, and antenna. They can run up to three miles an hour, and have been around since the dinosaurs. They range in size and color, and their shed skin contains allergens that can cause asthma. Below, we have focused on three of the most common cockroaches:

• German cockroach
• American cockroach
• Brownbanded cockroach

German Cockroach: Blattella germanica.

German cockroaches are the most common cockroach found in the United States. The German cockroach is:

• 12 to 17 mm (1/2 to 5/8 inch) long;
• tan to light brown; and
• has two dark brown stripes on the body region (pronotal shield) just behind the head.

Females will produce four to eight egg capsules during their lifetime, with each capsule containing approximately 40 eggs. The egg capsule is retained by the female until the eggs are ready to hatch, usually in 28 to 30 days.

German cockroaches are widespread and can be found in many indoor environments. Within these areas, the cockroaches prefer sites close to moisture and food, making them common pests in:

• Kitchens.
• Bathrooms.
• Food-storage areas.

American Cockroach: Periplaneta Americana.

The American cockroach is one of the largest cockroaches in the Northeast.

• It is about 40 mm (1.5 inches) long with a reddish-brown body.
• The center portion of the pronotal shield is light brown, while the outer edges are yellow.

Life Cycle: The female American cockroach will not retain the egg capsule for more than a day after its formation, instead dropping the capsule in some suitable site. Under some conditions it may be glued to a surface. The number of capsules produced by a female will range from 6 to 14, with each capsule containing 14 to 16 eggs. The eggs hatch in 50 to 55 days.

The American cockroach prefers dark, moist sites where it feeds on decaying organic matter. Such sites include:

• Basements.
• Kitchens.
• Clothes hampers.
• Drains.
• Bathroom plumbing or sewers.

Brownbanded Cockroach: Supella longipalpa.

The brownbanded cockroach is:

• 12 mm (1/2 inch) long;
• light brown; and
• has two lighter colored bands running across the body.

These bands are located at the base of the wings and on the abdomen. The bands are much darker during the immature stages.

Life Cycle: The brownbanded female carries the egg capsule for 24 to 48 hours before gluing it to a surface. The capsule contains approximately 18 eggs that hatch in 50-74 days. An adult female produces about 18 egg capsules over a life-span of 10 months.

The brownbanded cockroach requires less moisture than other cockroaches. It is more prevalent in homes, apartments, hotels and hospital rooms than in restaurants or stores. Evidence of this cockroach may be found:

• Behind pictures.
• In furniture.
• The underside of chairs and tables.
• In upper kitchen cabinets.
• On the upper shelves of closets and pantries.

Health Concerns

Cockroaches and their droppings may trigger an asthma attack. Their feces, saliva, eggs, and outer covering, or cuticles left behind on surfaces contain substances that are allergenic to humans, especially those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Within and on the surface of their bodies, cockroaches carry bacteria that can cause salmonella, staphylococcus and streptococcus if deposited in food. Additionally, cockroach feces, skin sheddings and saliva can cause asthma and allergies, especially in children.

Cockroach Management Tips

To keep students and staff healthy, IPM helps schools stay free of cockroach infestations:

• Don’t allow dirty dishes to accumulate in the sink and remain there overnight.
• Keep food scraps in the refrigerator or in containers with tight-fitting lids.
• If small animals are in the classroom, keep the food in tightly sealed containers, and do not allow food to remain in the bowls overnight.
  • Feed only what the animal will eat at the time of feeding.
• Remove garbage from the classroom and kitchen areas on a routine basis.
  • o Keep outside containers covered, especially at night.
• Periodically check and clean the evaporation pan under the refrigerator or freezer.
• Check the critical area between the stove and cabinet where grease and food scraps often accumulate.
  • Pull the stove out periodically and clean thoroughly.

Droppings or body parts of cockroaches and other pests can trigger asthma. Certain proteins are found in cockroach feces and saliva and can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals.

Cockroaches are commonly found in crowded cities and the southern regions of the United States. Cockroach allergens likely play a significant role in asthma in many urban areas.

Actions You Can Take

• Insecticides and pesticides are not only toxic to pests — they can harm people too. Try to use pest management methods that pose less of a risk.
• Keep counters, sinks, tables and floors clean and free of clutter.
• Clean dishes, crumbs and spills right away.
• Store food in airtight containers.
• Seal cracks or openings around or inside cabinets.

• Keep food and garbage in closed, tight-lidded containers.
• Do not leave food, dirty dishes, or pet food and bowls out on countertops or floors.
• Mop the kitchen floor and wash countertops at least once a week.
• Fix leaky faucets and drain pipes.
• Fill crevices around the house through which cockroaches may enter.
• Limit the spread of food around the house, especially in bedrooms.
• Use bait stations and other environmentally safe pesticides to prevent or reduce cockroach infestation.